Joel Zimba named Executive Deputy AD for External Relations for UE Athletics
Joel Zimba named Executive Deputy AD for External Relations for UE Athletics
Zimba brings a wide range of athletics experience to the Purple Aces
EVANSVILLE, Ind. – University of Evansville Director of Athletics Dr. Kenneth “Ziggy” Siegfried has announced the hiring of Joel Zimba as the Executive Deputy Athletics Director for External Relations. Zimba joins the Purple Aces following a 5-year stint as the District Director of Athletics & Activities at Verona (Wisc.) Area School District.
“We are excited to welcome Joel Zimba and his family to Evansville. Joel is a leader with infectious energy, values teamwork and relationships, and understands the big picture,” Siegfried exclaimed. “His experience as a District Athletics Director for the last five years will serve him well in this important role for UE Athletics.”
In his time at Verona, Zimba spearheaded all facets of developing, implementing, and improving school athletics programs and events. One of the main highlights of his tenure was his work in orchestrating a large-scale capital project that included the building of a new high school. The project, which included a voter approval of $183M referenda, saw him monitor the construction of a competition pool, cross country course, field house, all exterior fields (baseball, soccer, football, and lacrosse) along with facilities for wrestling, gymnastics, weight, and cardio.
“I humbly thank Dr. Ziggy Siegfried and President (Christopher M.) Pietruszkiewicz for the opportunity to become the Executive Deputy Athletics Director for External Relations at the University of Evansville,” Zimba said. “Ziggy has transformed UE into one of the premier athletic departments in the country and, more importantly, has created a culture built on enthusiasm, hard work, and integrity.”
“I am truly blessed to be joining UE at a time of such positive momentum. I am eagerly looking forward to serving our outstanding student-athletes alongside our incredible coaches and staff and contributing to providing an exceptional student-athlete experience,” Zimba added. “My family is excited to embrace the UE spirit and become part of this vibrant community. Go Purple Aces!”
Along with the new facilities, Zimba had a hands-on approach in multiple facets within the district. He encouraged all students to participate in athletics by executing programming for over 25 sports and more than 50 club teams. He directly supervised, evaluated, and professionally developed more than 120 employees district-wide including coaches, administrators, and support staff.
His work resulted in the creation of four part-time District administrative athletic positions, which enhanced the vision, mission, and initiatives. Zimba negotiated a district-wide co-curricular compensation increase of 12% to recruit, retain, and develop talented coaches and staff.
Prior to assuming his role at Verona Area School District, Zimba held three positions at Valparaiso University between 2015 and 2019. While working towards his Master’s, Zimba served as a Men’s Basketball Graduate Assistant from 2015-16 where he completed planning, managerial, and administrative duties for the men’s basketball program.
He was elevated to the Director of Men’s Basketball Operations at Valpo in 2016 and held that position until 2018. Zimba’s responsibilities in that position included budget administration, facility supervision, equipment inventory control, team travel coordination, development of the practice schedule, and summer camp management.
Zimba’s final year at Valparaiso saw him serve as the Assistant Director of Annual Giving where he played a pivotal role in sourcing and soliciting annual gift commitments up to $10K. He supported the President Circle and accomplished a goal of 125 new donors while helping senior executives raise over $700K from over 2,000 donors.
In 2016, he earned his Master’s of Science in Sports Administration from Valparaiso while earning a Bachelor of Letters & Science in Afro-American Studies Intergroup Relations from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in 2011. Joel and wife Krystin have a four-year-old son – Tayden.
WHAT THEY ARE SAYING…
Dr. Treymane Clardy, Verona Area School District – Superintendent
“Joel Zimba has been a cornerstone of our community, exemplifying academic and athletic excellence throughout his tenure as our Athletic Director in the Verona Area School District. His unwavering commitment to sportsmanship, ethics, and service to others has profoundly influenced our student-athletes and the broader community. We are immensely proud of his achievements and wish him continued success in his new role as Executive Deputy Athletic Director for External Relations at the University of Evansville.”
Chad Wiese, Verona Area School District – Deputy Superintendent
“Joel Zimba is a huge loss for our school district. His work ethic, technical abilities, and, most of all, his interpersonal skills will be greatly missed. Joel’s time in the Verona Area School District resulted in historic achievements and participation rates in our athletic programs. I wish him the best as the Executive Deputy Director for External Relations. Joel’s hire at the University of Evansville will make an immediate impact. I’m confident great things lie ahead.”
David Ragland, University of Evansville – Head Men’s Basketball Coach
“I met Joel 8 years ago and had the honor of working with him for two years at Valparaiso University. I had the opportunity to watch how passionate he is about the student-athlete experience. Joel is selfless and a tireless worker. He is honest and will do what is right no matter the situation. Joel embodies all the qualities of the culture Dr Ziggy Siegfried has worked so hard to create for our athletic department here at UE. Dr Ziggy Siegfried has created great momentum within our athletic department, built on positivity, problem-solving, and connectivity through effective communication. I’m excited to watch our athletics department improve with Joel Zimba’s addition and look forward to working alongside him.”
Steve Watson, Loyola Chicago – Director of Athletics
“Evansville is getting one of the best in Joel Zimba. With his background and experience in athletics administration, there’s no doubt he’ll do great things for the Purple Aces. Congratulations to Ziggy and his staff for landing a good one!”
Jackie Manuel, American University – Assistant Men’s Basketball Coach
“Joel Zimba is a great friend and person. Joel is a hard worker and consummate professional who strives to serve others every day. EU is getting a high-character person that is committed to excellence.”
Jamie Sims, Middleton-Cross Plains Area School District – District Director of Athletics and Activities
“I had the great pleasure to meet and begin working with Joel Zimba in 2020 as an athletic director, and since then, I have had the opportunity to partner with and create a meaningful relationship that surpasses the world of education-based athletics. Mr. Zimba’s leadership skills and ability to get the best out of the most as a part of his character, leadership, and overall care and concern for others continue to inspire and motivate me to do precisely that in my current capacity. Joel’s passion for leading others and ensuring equitable outcomes for all has resonated with me and overflowed into the Big 8 conference here in Wisconsin. Today, I am a better leader because I have met and worked alongside Joel Zimba. He has definitely left his life, print, and legacy in Wisconsin Interscholastic Athletics.
“IS IT TRUE” JULY 18. 2024
ECHO Housing & Community Development Holds Ribbon Cutting for New Promise Home
ECHO Housing & Community Development Holds Ribbon Cutting for New Promise Home
July 18, 2024
EVANSVILLE, IN: ECHO Housing and Community Development announces the ribbon cutting ceremony for the new Promise Home at 313 Read Street took place today. The Promise Home is a permanent supportive housing project that will end homelessness for 27+ individuals. On-site case management, laundry facilities, and a community space dedicated to resident education opportunities are only three of several amenities that will be provided. This project marks the sixth permanent supportive housing program for ECHO, and its eighth overall program dedicated to serving individuals experiencing homelessness in southwest Indiana.
ECHO’s CEO, Savannah Wood, says “Today’s ribbon-cutting ceremony represents hope and a second chance. Our team is here to assist some of the most vulnerable individuals in our community navigate the complexities of life that many of us often take for granted. We are not just opening a building; we are opening doors to new opportunities and brighter futures. The Promise Home is more than just a place to live; it is a safe space where residents can find stability, regain their dignity, and rebuild their lives.”
Several community partners were thanked during the ceremony, including community members, government partners, and generous donors, along with the ECHO Housing and Community Development Board of Directors and staff. Wood goes on to say, “The Promise Home extends far beyond the individuals who will live here. It strengthens the fabric of our entire community. By providing stable housing and support, we are reducing the strain on emergency services, decreasing healthcare costs, and fostering a more compassionate society.”
Back to School Immunization Clinic
The Vanderburgh County Health Department is hosting a Back-to-School Immunization Clinic. The clinic will be held on July 30th from 2:30 pm to 6:00 pm at the Vanderburgh County Health Department. School supplies, food, prizes, and vendors will be onsite. Children are eligible to be seen if they have Medicaid, no insurance, and some private insurance. Pre-registration is highly encouraged to reduce wait times. Those who pre-register will also be eligible for additional prize drawings. Visit vanderburghhealth.org to register. Walk-ins are required to bring shot records and insurance information to be seen.
The event is being sponsored by MDWise. They are celebrating their 30th anniversary of providing services to Hoosiers. MDWise was founded in 1994 in Indianapolis, Indiana, where their home office is still located.
Immunizations are the best way to protect your child from many serious diseases that can spread easily in the school setting. Vaccines are due for all students entering kindergarten, 6th grade, and 12th grade. Those entering other grades may need catch up vaccinations. Contact your child’s healthcare provider to find out if they are up to date.
For questions, you can contact the Vanderburgh County Health Department 812-435-2400 option 1.
INDIANA ATTORNEY GENERAL CANDIDATE DESTINY WELLS ANNOUNCES PLATFORM
INDIANA ATTORNEY GENERAL CANDIDATE DESTINY WELLS ANNOUNCES PLATFORM
INDIANAPOLIS—Indiana’s Democratic Attorney General candidate Destiny Wells provided the following platform information for her race to unseat Todd Rokita, a wildly unpopular and divisive Attorney General who has brought nothing but public embarrassment upon Indiana. Here are the policy points on which Destiny will focus:
Workers’ Rights
Wells will immediately assemble a team to support workers’ rights: Since the passage of the Right to Work (HEA 1001-2011) in Indiana, no Attorney General has provided meaningful support or protections to Indiana workers. Wells willcreate a team to investigate instances of worker abuse. With Destiny at the helm, the Office of the Attorney General will ensure employers treat workers with dignity and respect— preventing wage theft, labor trafficking, and the misclassification of employees. Just this week we saw an Indianapolis business under investigation by the Department of Labor due to improper pay practices. Indiana can and must do more to protect Hoosier workers and its consumer and worker protections must be improved. Wells will look to legislative leaders on both sides of the aisle to further protect Hoosiers
Medical Privacy
It’s no secret Todd Rokita is constantly meddling in the private medical records of Hoosiers. His pursuit of unredacted Terminated Pregnancy Reports unfortunately exposes all Hoosiers seeking medical care—if he pursues this end, there is nothing stopping communities seeking gender-affirming care and others. This activity has a chilling effect on Hoosiers seeking care and continues to cause healthcare providers to leave Indiana. Hoosiers have already begun to flee because they feel threatened and, most importantly, Hoosier healthcare providers won’t be able to morally and ethically care for their patients. Destiny will seek to protect Hoosiers by staying out of Hoosiers’ business and staying out of their bedrooms.
Children’s Bill of Rights
Destiny will educate the public and contribute resources to local prosecutors with a Children’s Bill of Rights. Destiny’s first experience practicing law was when she put a shingle out in her hometown of Martinsville. There, she immediately witnessed the underbelly of her Hoosier community when she encountered abused and neglected children who were irretrievably left behind because parents/guardians chose to take advantage of Indiana’s compulsory education laws to hide their abuse. Destiny saw many children entering adulthood without the essential tools to succeed, with many children requiring permanent state assistance. This effort will help the most vulnerable while upholding our liberty as parents to educate our children as we see fit.
Restoring Integrity to the AG’s office
The Office of the Attorney General has suffered a talent exodus because line attorneys and staff can no longer tolerate the office culture that comes with an Attorney General intent on conservative television appearances. If you walk into the Attorney General’s office in a Wells Administration, Hoosiers won’t be able to tell whether a Democrat or Republican leads the office. Instead, Hoosiers will see exceptional attorneys and support staff passionately representing Hoosiers. Destiny will glean from the core values of her time in the military and foster a culture that values professional growth and excellence.
“Fighting for Hoosier workers and Hoosier’s medical privacy are my top priorities as Attorney General,” stated Destiny Wells. “If Todd Rokita isn’t going to fight for Hoosiers’ rights and freedoms, I will.”
Honest Abe Auto Sales fails to live up to their name
Honest Abe Auto Sales fails to live up to their name,
Attorney General Todd Rokita recovers almost half
a million dollars against Indy car dealer
Bait–and–switch sales tactics, falsely advertised prices and preying on Hoosiers with subprime credit — those are the alleged misdeeds of a string of four Indianapolis used-car stores that might rank among the area’s most notoriously misnamed business enterprises. And now, after a settlement with Attorney General Todd Rokita, the business will be forced to pay back almost half a million dollars to deceived consumers.
The stores operate under the name “Honest Abe Auto Sales,” but according to a lawsuit and settlement filed by Attorney General Rokita, they have harmed Hoosier car-buyers by engaging in dishonest and deceitful conduct.
Honest Abe Auto Sales advertised specific prices on vehicles, but when consumers with subprime credit attempted to buy the vehicles, Honest Abe raised the prices by thousands of dollars. Honest Abe then failed to disclose the price increase as a cost of credit. Over 250 consumers were affected.
“We won’t tolerate businesses breaking the law and duping Hoosiers into paying higher prices than advertised,” Attorney General Rokita said. “Regardless of their credit scores, consumers should never encounter bait-and-switch tactics in which prices change the second customers arrive in person.”
Under the terms of the settlement, Honest Abe Auto Sales will pay restitution to affected consumers in the total amount of $470,646. Honest Abe Auto Sales is also enjoined from engaging in similar deceptive conduct in future advertising and sales.
“Here we have a business that allegedly hid extra finance fees, staggering service charges, document costs and outright price markups,” Attorney General Rokita added. “The fact they call themselves ‘Honest Abe’ just makes the facts of this case especially rich.”
The defendant, Sycamore Companies LLC, operates stores at the following addresses: 4401 North Keystone Avenue; 5520 West Washington Street; 3201 West 16th Street; and 5422 Madison Avenue.
The consent judgment is attached.
Mutts At Myriad: Woofstock!
Newburgh, Indiana – Mutts At Myriad, the beloved collaborative community event by the Warrick Humane Society and Myriad Brewing Co. is hosting Woofstock this year! This event will benefit the Warrick Humane Society and our Building Hope project. It will be taking place at Myriad Brewing Co. Newburgh, this Sunday, July 21st from 12pm-5pm!
Event Highlights:
- Donation for Entry: Entrance into this event will be any monetary donation for our New Shelter!
● Benefit Concert: Our first Benefit Concert featuring The Honey Vines from 1pm-3pm and Between The Frets from 3pm-5pm.
- Building Hope Information Station: Learn about our cause, our Building Hope Project, and how you can help!
- Puppy Snuggles: Cuddle with puppies for a donation!
- WHS Pop-Up Shop: Explore our collection of goodies for sale, all in support of the Warrick Humane Society!
- Yummy Food: Lashbrooke’s BBQ will be serving on site while supplies last, starting at
Evansville Land Bank Corporation Meeting
Evansville Land Bank Corporation
Agenda
Meeting 9:30 a.m.
July 19, 2024
Civic Center – Room 301
I. Call to Order
II. Approval of Minutes of 6/21/24 Meeting
III. Financial Information
A. June 2024 Financial Statements
IV. Old Business
A. Tabled App – 1320, 1322, 1324 N Fifth Ave – garden
B. Tabled App – 2775, 2777, 2779, 2783 Broadway Ave – container home
C. 106 Jefferson Ave – approval of exterior elevation and Development
Agreement
V. New Business
A. Pest Control Services at Land Bank Office
B. Tree Trimming/Removal Services – 2817 Egmont St
C. Trash Services at Land Bank Office
D. Other New Business
VI. Adjournment