Courtney Wentz, Communications & Program Services Director at Marietta Community Foundation, sits down with Jill Witucky, a member of the Foundation’s Board of Directors, to get to know this prominent community member.

Courtney Wentz: Let’s start at the beginning. Will you tell me a little bit about your background?

Jill Witucky: I grew up in Churchtown and graduated from Fort Frye, so I'm kind of a country girl. Then I went to Muskingum College, which is now Muskingum University, and got a degree in business. Once I graduated and worked for several months, I realized that I wanted to be a teacher. So, I went back to school and became a teacher. I married my college sweetheart, Kevin; we met at Muskingum and then moved here. We have two kids, Abby and Austin.

CW: What did you teach?

JW: I taught for four years at the Washington County Career Center. I actually taught in the business department, teaching typewriting and filing. I kind of giggle because we used to literally teach students how to type on an old-fashioned typewriter, and that’s not something that’s done now.

Then I had both my kids, and I worked from home until my son went to kindergarten. I took a job at St. Mary's here in Marietta. I was a sixth-grade teacher for about 12 years.

As my kids got older, they both got into sports and we were running around a lot between ball games and practices, so I took a part-time job at Parkersburg Catholic in their Marketing and Advancement office.

A couple of years after that, I got an opportunity to go back and work for Pioneer Group, which is my family’s business. My husband works there too. So, that’s what I do now! I’m in marketing and it’s a great fit. I do miss the kids and teaching, but I don't miss all of the hard work I had to put in while teaching and always working on lesson plans on Sunday nights.  

CW: You've been all over the community! How did you get involved with the Foundation?

JW: I've been in a lot of different roles, but I always feel like I'm in a role for a reason. I’ve always been involved with the Foundation through my parents; my mom was on the Board. But then one afternoon last Spring Eric Erb gave me a call and asked if I would be interested in being on the Board. I had to give it some thought but ultimately decided to do it. Since my kids were graduating from college I had more time. I decided this was my way to give back.

I knew a lot about it already from my mom and my family’s involvement, but I hadn’t taken the time to volunteer myself. I’m a pretty back-seat person, so I wasn’t sure about it at first, but I think I’m here for a reason and I have just really enjoyed learning and gaining more insight into our community. It's been a great experience so far; very rewarding. I’m so humbled when I sit in Board meetings; it’s a great group of people, and I’ve learned so much about what each of them and the Foundation does to help the community. And the staff at the Foundation are top-notch – a great group of people!

CW: What was it like growing up in a family that is involved in a bit of everything?

JW: My parents are very hard-working people, and that’s all we knew. I grew up on a farm, and we did all of the farming work. It wasn’t until college that I realized not everyone grew up working like that.

Pioneer just celebrated their 40th anniversary, but I can remember the day when my dad said that he was going to start this company. While I was growing up, they were just trying to get the business started and get it to succeed. I saw it happen from the ground up, and I know the work that went into a lot of things. You know, we didn't get to do a lot because everything went to the business. But through it all, they always gave back. And as time goes on, I hope I pass that on to my kids and maybe some of the students that I taught over the years; just to give back.

I guess I didn't know anything different. It was “This is what we do as a family. This is how we work. And that's just it.” When I married Kevin and he got into the family business, he took on that role, too. If somebody needs help, we jump in and help.

But in addition to all of this, my dad was a big tractor puller. So if we did have any free time, we were always going to a tractor pull. Being together as a family was very important to my parents, and I think it helped me when I had my kids as well. Family is very important to me.

CW: I can see that; it definitely comes through. What do you like to do for fun?

JW: I like to exercise. My husband and I walk just about every night. I kind of laugh because I think we go out and no one sees us, but then I run into people and they say, “Oh, I saw you walking downtown!” and I say “Yeah, that was us — the tall guy with a little short lady trying to keep up.” Ha!

But we do that, and enjoy anything that involves our kids. I just love to be a part of their lives – sitting back and experiencing life through their eyes. Especially now that we’re empty-nesters; if one of the kids calls and asks if we want to meet for dinner, we never say no. If our kids still want to hang with us, we want to go.

I also like to travel a bit and shop. 

CW: Where is your favorite place to travel?

JW: My favorite place that I’ve ever been to is St. Johns on a cruise. It was so beautiful, but I've only been there once. But I say my second home is Fort Myers, Florida. I just love Florida. When I get off the plane, I can smell the oranges and feel the sunshine – it just makes me happy!

CW: What is something that most people wouldn't know about you?

JW: Hmm. People who truly know me, know that I don't like to be in front of people. I can talk to anybody, but I'm very much a backseat person. I don’t want to get up and talk in front of everybody. Kinda strange since I was a teacher, but in a small group setting I am comfortable but larger groups do me in. 

Another thing is that I never let my kids have animals. Since I grew up on a farm, I knew to not get attached to animals because then something would happen to them. Then we were in COVID lockdown, and a family friend had a stray kitten. I guess I had been home too long and had a weak moment because now we have a cat. My husband was against it, but the cat is so in love with Kevin! My family just laughs because they thought I’d be the last person to ever take in an animal. Now my kids are gone, and I still have the cat.

CW: That is too funny. Is there anything else you'd like to add?

JW: I just can't thank the Foundation Board and staff enough. I sat on the allocations committee during the fall grant cycle, and I learned so much about this community. I’ve found that there are good people here who give a little, and there are good people that give a lot, and it all stays here and all of it helps! It just warms my heart and makes me more appreciative of living here.

I think as the world continues to change, it makes Marietta being home even more special. To know that we're all in this together, and we all want to help the community. A lot of cities don't have that, and I think it’s just a blessing. I'm just very blessed to be a part of these things.