MEDIA RELEASE__The Hardin County Board of Commissioners has approved a new shared leadership model for Hardin County Job and Family Services (HCJFS), partnering with Auglaize County Job and Family Services to provide experienced, stable executive leadership for the agency. Under this agreement, Julie Gossard, current Director of Auglaize County Job and Family Services, will also serve as Director for Hardin County Job and Family Services effective January 1, 2026. Julie will remain a full-time employee of Auglaize County, while Hardin County fills a full-time Social Services Administrator/Assistant Director position to provide on-site daily leadership and operational oversight. This innovative approach is designed to strengthen agency stability, ensure leadership continuity, and build a strong succession pipeline for the future.

“This partnership reflects the Commissioners’ commitment to long-term stability and smart stewardship of public resources,” said Valarie A. Nash, SHRM-SCP, Owner/Principal at 821 Consulting LLC who has
been serving as the Interim Director of Hardin County Job and Family Services since August 2025. “Shared leadership allows Hardin County to benefit from proven experience while investing locally in leadership development.”

Why the Shared Director Model?
Hardin County has experienced multiple leadership transitions in recent years, including three Directors
and one Interim Director within a five-year period. This turnover has placed strain on staff, service delivery and long-term planning.

The shared leadership model was created to:
• Provide consistent, experienced executive leadership
• Strengthen operational processes and decision-making
• Support staff development and intentional succession planning
• Prepare the agency for future fiscal challenges, including projected funding shifts under House Bill
1 (HB1) in Federal Fiscal Year 2027
• Ensure uninterrupted, high-quality services to Hardin County families

“I have had the privilege of working with Julie for many years, and she is widely respected across the state for her deep program knowledge and exceptional financial acumen,” said Nash. “Her leadership brings credibility, stability, and a level of strategic insight that will benefit Hardin County for years to come.”

Commitment to Local Leadership
The new full-time Social Services Administrator/Assistant Director role will be based in Hardin County and will ensure daily presence, immediate support to staff, and direct oversight of operations. This role will be critical in maintaining accessibility, responsiveness, and continuity of care for residents. “This model is not about reducing local leadership — it is about strengthening it,” Nash added. “Hardin County is investing in its people, building internal capacity, and preparing for the future with intention. By being innovative and developing succession plans early, agencies can build long-term stability that benefits employees, families, and the entire community.”

Gratitude to Community Leaders
The citizens of both Hardin and Auglaize Counties should be grateful for the leadership demonstrated by their Boards of Commissioners, whose willingness to think creatively and collaborate across county lines is strengthening public services for the long term.

For more information, please contact Hardin County Job and Family Services at 419.675.1130 or visit
www.hardinjfs.org. Julie Gossard can be reached directly at 419.673.6117 or via email at
[email protected].