WARM Announces New Executive Director

The Board of Directors of Westerville Area Resource Ministry (WARM) is excited to announce the appointment of Ben Jay as the organization’s new Executive Director beginning May 28, 2024. Jay, an experienced nonprofit leader with long-standing ties to the Greater Westerville community, is ideally positioned to champion WARM’s mission to provide compassionate short-term assistance, educational services, and spiritual support to encourage individuals to achieve a God-reliant, self-sufficient life while restoring dignity and hope.

“We are thrilled to welcome Ben Jay as the next Executive Director of Westerville Area Resource Ministry,” says Jami Dewolf, Chair of WARM’s Board of Directors. “Ben is a collaborative leader with deep nonprofit operations and fundraising expertise, and a proven commitment to WARM’s mission, vision, and values. This is a critical time in WARM’s history. The need for our organization’s services continues to grow and we must expand our reach to meet the needs of our community members. His expertise will help propel WARM’s growth and expand our impact, providing neighbors in need with a hand up.”

Jay joins WARM after a successful tenure as the Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Minnesota Sports Facilities Authority, where he oversaw operations of U.S. Bank Stadium and conducted a 10-year facility assessment. Previously, Jay has held leadership roles at the Big West Conference, California Youth Soccer Association, Pacific-10 Conference, and The Ohio State University. During his time at Ohio State, Jay served as the Executive Associate Athletics Director and Chief Financial Officer. As a volunteer leader, Jay has served on the board of One Love 4 All and After School All Stars, and has worked with WARM and other community organizations to provide Buckeye Experiences to families in need.

“For more than 50 years, Westerville Area Resource Ministry has been a leader in our community, uniting us around the belief in the inherent dignity of every individual and the notion that all people can find healing and hope through a relationship with God,” says Jay. “I raised my children in Westerville and have seen WARM’s impact first-hand. I returned to Central Ohio to be closer to family and, for me, in many ways, joining WARM as the organization’s next Executive Director feels like coming home. My faith has always inspired me to serve others and I am grateful for this opportunity to work alongside WARM’s committed board, talented staff, long-time generous volunteers, and the Greater Westerville community to provide holistic support to individuals and families, empowering them towards long-term self-sufficiency.”
As Executive Director, Jay will oversee Westerville Area Resource Ministry’s operations and play a critical role in steering its strategic direction. He will be vital to fundraising, financial management, community collaboration, and stakeholder relations. Under Jay’s guidance, WARM will meet the ever-growing need for food assistance, employment programming, and spiritual encouragement in our community with programs that extend a hand up to our most vulnerable neighbors. “Ben’s extensive experience, proven track record in nonprofit fundraising and financial management, and depth of his connections in Westerville make him an asset to the organization and to the community as a whole. We are thrilled to welcome him as our next Executive Director,” says Dewolf. 

Jay succeeds Joyce Poole, who has been serving as Interim Executive Director since January 2024. “We are grateful to Joyce Poole for her commitment to WARM’s mission, volunteers, staff, and clients,” Dewolf says. “Her leadership during this transition period has provided operational stability, strengthened our approach to employee engagement and organizational management, and allowed the organization to provide uninterrupted service to our community. She stepped into the interim role at a critical time, and we look forward to welcoming her back to the organization’s Board of Directors.”