Foundation welcomes 3 new trustees

PORT CLINTON — The Ottawa County Community Foundation recently announced the addition of three new members to its board of trustees: James "Jim" Krieger, Brian Koenig and Duane Kokinda. "Each brings strong community ties, professional experience and a shared commitment to supporting the people and organizations that make Ottawa County a great place to live," according to a foundation statement. Shea McGrew, the foundation's executive director, also looks forward to them stepping into leadership roles. "Each of them brings unique experience and a genuine desire to give back to the community," McGrew said. "Their perspectives and leadership will help us continue strengthening Ottawa County through philanthropy and community partnerships." Here's a look at each new official with excerpts provided by the foundation: James Krieger Krieger lives in eastern Benton Township near the Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge and has called Ottawa County home for most of his life. Krieger brings extensive experience in finance and public accounting and looks forward to helping ensure the foundation's funds are carefully stewarded while continuing to grow opportunities for community impact. He has also been active in a number of community organizations, including serving with the Friends of Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge and supporting local education initiatives. "I think of all the people from this county who guided me as I grew up and the wisdom they shared with me," Krieger said. "Now it is my turn to do the same and repay those who helped along the way." Brian Koenig Koenig, of Elmore, has been connected to the foundation for many years, first establishing the Pamela Graver-Koenig Memorial Scholarship in memory of his late wife, Pam. The scholarship supports Woodmore High School seniors involved in soccer, track or cross country who plan to pursue careers working with children. Koenig previously served on the foundation's board of trustees. A retired professional with Crown Battery, Erie Steel and BAP Manufacturing, he has also been involved with several area organizations, including Fremont Rotary and the Sandusky County YMCA. He brings experience working with community foundations across the region. "I've been fortunate in life because of the help and support of others," Koenig said. "Serving and giving back is one way I can repay those who helped me along the way." Duane Kokinda Duane Kokinda was born and raised in Port Clinton and returned to the area in 2018 after a 40-year career in the energy industry. He and his wife now live on Catawba Island. Kokinda and his family have been active supporters of the foundation and established the Joseph and Eleanor Kokinda Family Fund in honor of his parents. The fund supports nonprofit organizations serving the Port Clinton community. During his professional career, Kokinda managed a diverse portfolio of business operations and joint ventures, an experience he now brings to the foundation's board. "For me, charitable giving is a way to pay it forward to the community where I was raised," Kokinda said. "It is also about remembering our parents and the values they passed down to our family."