Orange Township: Erica Fouss selected by Ben Grumbles, Lisa Knapp as third trustee

Erica Fouss will be the third member of the Orange Township board of trustees.

Elected trustees Ben Grumbles and Lisa Knapp selected Fouss from a pool of about a dozen prospects, Knapp said.

"Most of the applications we received were really good candidates," she said. "It was a difficult decision to make, but I think we made the right one."

Fouss fills Grumbles' unexpired term, created when he opted to run for a new, four-year term in the November 2021 election. When he was one of the top two vote-getters for the two open seats, Grumbles resigned his previous seat as of Dec. 31, 2021.

Grumbles and Knapp then were tasked with filling this unexpired term.

Fouss' term expires Dec. 31, 2023.

Knapp credited Fouss’ history of community service.

“She has extensive experience as a volunteer in a number of different areas – PTO and school district committees, scouts, Meals on Wheels,” Knapp said. “She clearly has a desire to serve her community.”

“I saw this as another opportunity to serve the community at large,” Fouss, a 13-year township resident, told ThisWeek. “For me, it’s about finding what’s best for the residents of Orange Township. All along, I hoped they’d find the best person for the job, even if it wasn’t me.”

Fouss said no specific issues compelled her to apply. Rather, she said, she saw an opportunity for her skills, experience and strengths to be of use.

“I see myself as a bridge-builder, a relationship-builder,” Fouss said. “I think that can be beneficial. I have a degree in civil engineering and did construction management, so I hope that perspective can be helpful.”

Knapp concurred and said Fouss’ perceived lack of agenda was important in her decision-making process.

“I think it was a positive that neither (Grumbles) nor I knew her personally before this,” Knapp said.

Grumbles said he was impressed with her skills, knowledge and willingness to serve.

“The most distinguishing factor with Erica was her consistent service to community,” Grumbles said, noting that in one volunteer role, Fouss was able to improve relations that had deteriorated. “Erica has demonstrated overwhelmingly a willingness and acceptance to sacrifice to serve others.

“Beyond that, Erica’s responses during the interview reflected a deep focus on relationships and were further indicative of a servant leader. I believe those qualities will serve her quite well as a trustee and look forward to working with her in the coming years,” he said.

One of the most fundamental roles for a trustee, he said, pertains to infrastructure – constructing, funding and maintaining roads, trails and parks, for example.

“I think her experience in the field and role she held as an engineer will be valuable and assist us as we navigate through ongoing infrastructure projects,” he said.

Grumble said he was pleased overall with the applicant pool. He said several residents had reached out to discuss the opportunity but ultimately chose not to apply.

Fouss acknowledged she has a lot to learn.

"I am going to rely heavily on staff to get me up to speed, something I'm confident we can do together," she said.

Other applicants for the seat were township residents Mark Duell, Pamela Foster, Dan Griffin, Bruce Kullberg and Gerry Puckett.

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This article originally appeared on ThisWeek: Orange Township: Erica Fouss selected by Ben Grumbles, Lisa Knapp as third trustee