Staff & Elected Officials
Elected Officials
Jerome L. Hirt, Trustee
(jerry.hirt@betheltownship.org)
Mr. Hirt is a native Buckeye. He was born in Piqua, Ohio and moved to Bethel Township in 1955. Mr. Hirt is a 1963 graduate of Bethel High School and attended Wittenberg and Wright State Universities.
Jerry married Beverly Wells O’Dell (deceased) in 1972 and is a father of three and grandfather of five. Jerry represents the second of four generations living in Bethel Township.
He has served as a Bethel Township Trustees continuously since he was first elected in 1981. He is currently serving his seventh term in office.
Jerry’s memberships and participation in numerous organizations illustrate his commitment to the local community:
- Miami County Township Association (President, 1984 & 1985)
- Ohio Township Association
- Miami Valley Regional Planning Commission (currently serving on Executive Comm’t)
- Miami County 911 (Chairman, Board of Directors, 1992)
- Miami County Council (Former Chairman)
- Miami County Bike Trail Task Force
- Brandt United Methodist Church (Currently Chairman of Staff Parish Relations Committee)
Cliff Wray, Trustee
cliff.wray@betheltownship.org
Cliff Wray will begin his second term in 2008. He has worked hard to develop the township organization into a strategic thinking group of people with a team approach. He has been passionate about Bethel Township controlling its own destiny while maintaining fiscal responsibility. His approach has been parallel to his business background in that efficiency and productivity are the foundation of all organizations.
A graduate of Tecumseh High School in 1970. Cliff attended The Ohio State University earning a Bachelor’s of Science in Agriculture. Most of his career he has worked in the seed industry and current owns Saunders Seed Company and Wray Seeds in Tipp City, Ohio.
Cliff is married to Lou Anne and they have four children, Aaron, Matt, Emily and Megan who are all graduates of Bethel Schools.
Some of his hobbies include gardening, collecting old cars and spending time with his family.
Beth van Haaren, Trustee
beth.vanhaaren@betheltownship.org
Beth van Haaren is a Township Trustee in her first term. In May, 2005, she was selected to fill the Trustee seat left vacant by the death of Matt Davis and in November, 2005 she was elected for a four year term.
A graduate of Bethel High School in 1984, Beth attended North Carolina State University, earning a Bachelor’s of Science in Mechanical Engineering. In 1994, she returned to Bethel Township with her husband and began working for Process Equipment Company. Almost 20 years of engineering and business management experience have developed Beth’s leadership abilities, her fiscally conservative mindset and a pro-active attitude toward problem solving.
Beth is married to Michael van Haaren and they have three children, Caleb, Marieke and Alexander all of whom attend Bethel Local Schools. They are active members of the West Charleston Church of the Brethren.
Beth is currently working as the lead project manager on a National Science Foundation Grant for Edison Community College. She volunteers with a variety of non-profit organizations – Child Care Choices, leading a Brownie Troop and a Girl Scout Troop, Bethel Local Schools, Bethel’s recreational soccer league (BAYSA), and several others.
Her goals for Bethel Township are:
- Reduce annexation of Bethel Township land
- Maintain quality of life in Bethel Township for all residents
- Implement Bethel’s Strategic Development and Land Use Plan
Mrs. van Haaren’s term expires on December 31, 2009
Deborah A. Watson, Fiscal Officer
deborah.watson@betheltownship.org
Mrs. Watson was first elected in 2003 and is currently serving her second term as Fiscal Officer. A resident of Bethel Township for 12 years, she also serves as a member of the Bethel Local School Board.
Mrs. Watson was born in Brooklyn, New York and is a graduate of Hillsboro High School. She attended Wright State University.
She is a mother of two sons, Anthony and Andrew and has been married to husband John for over 23 years.
Mrs. Watson is a dedicated community member having served as the Treasurer of Pee-Wee Football, the Bethel Athletic Booster Club and the Bethel Community Improvement Corporation. She is also a member of the Bethel Athletic Council.
Mrs. Watson’s term expires on March 31, 2012
Administrative Officials
Mike Gebhart, Administrator
michael.gebhart@betheltownship.org
On January 16, 2009, Mike Gebhart became the third administrator of Bethel Township. Mr. Gebhart will serve in the dual role of Administrator and Director of Planning and Zoning until a new planning official can be selected.
Mike Gebhart has served as the Township’s first full-time Planning and Zoning Director since August of 2006. Prior to joining the staff of Bethel Township, he served the City of Kettering in their Planning and Development Department.
Mike received his Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science and Master’s Degree in Public Administration from Wright State University. In May 2008, Mike completed his State of Ohio Level 1 Firefighters training & certfication and also serves as a member of the Bethel Township Fire Department. Mike and his wife Jennifer have been married since 1998, and in October of 2007 welcomed their first child Matthew to their family.
Carl Blackburn, Fire Chief
carl.blackburn@betheltownship.org
Robert Yocum, Road Superintendent
robert.yocum@betheltownship.org
Robert Yocum is a lifetime resident of Bethel Township. A graduate of Bethel Local School Mr. Yocum has been employed with the Township for twenty-two years serving as the Road Superintendent for the entire length of his service.
Robert also serves as a member of the Bethel Township Fire Department and has served in this capacity for twenty-two years as well. Robert’s hobbies include photography and computers.
Andy Ehrhart, Director of Planning & Zoning
andy.ehrhart@betheltownship.org
