On May 16, Joel Hamernick joined the Office of Civic Engagement (OCE) as Associate Vice President for Civic Engagement. In this role, Hamernick will oversee the day-to-day work of OCE; build civic engagement partnerships with academic and administrative units; and work closely with South Side and civic partners. He’ll also lead OCE’s next strategic planning process and work closely with Vice President for Civic Engagement and External Affairs Derek Douglas to identify ways for the University broadly, and OCE specifically, to advance its civic and community engagement impact.
Hamernick brings a wealth of experience to the role on issues important to both the South Side and the University. As executive director at Sunshine Gospel Ministries in Woodlawn for more than 20 years, Hamernick developed programming to advance youth outreach and enrichment, promote service learning, reduce violence, and support South Side entrepreneurs with growing their businesses. He also built strong relationships with civic and community partners, including public officials and philanthropic leaders, as a longtime Woodlawn resident and local nonprofit leader.
“Joel’s deep knowledge of and relationships across the South Side will be a tremendous asset for the Office of Civic Engagement and the University,” Douglas said. “I know he will be a strong partner throughout our campus and shared South Side community and we are thrilled to have him on our team.”
Hamernick’s undergraduate studies were in Bible and Theology at Moody Bible Institute and graduate work was in Organizational Leadership at Cairn University. He and his wife Paula also founded Greenline Coffee—a for-profit, impact investor model of business and job creation that has since been transitioned to local entrepreneur Tiffany Williams of Exquisite Catering. Hamernick is also a sought-after speaker, often appearing at universities, conferences, and churches around the country.
