COMMISSIONER OSCAR HERNANDEZ … The new Williams County Health Commissioner has been hard at work learning the ins and outs of the position previously held by newly retired Jim Watkins. Hernandez shared that while Watkins may be retired, he should soon expect a visit from his protégé, as he will be on his way to return an army of rubber ducks hidden throughout the office as part of prior commissioner Watkin’s running “ducker” joke.
By: Anna Wozniak
THE VILLAGE REPORTER
anna@thevillagereporter.com
The Williams County Health Department has recently seen a change in leadership, as Jim Watkins’ retirement led to the transition of Mr. Oscar Hernandez to Williams County Health Commissioner.
Hernandez is no novice when it comes to leadership, as he has been finding himself taking up leadership roles at almost every opportunity.
A 2002 Pettisville graduate, Hernandez feels passionate about servicing close-knit communities, and feels as though his position in Williams County can help facilitate that.
After obtaining a biology degree from the University of Toledo, and meeting his wife, Alyssa, who was a Northwest State student, through a cousin, he began working for Fulton County.
Commissioner Hernandez is excited to have a job that allows him to stay closer to his family in Wauseon, as his last role working for corporate Meijer saw him traveling throughout the Midwest to facilitate leadership in the food and safety industry.
Commissioner Hernandez has an MBA through Bluffton University and is excited to use his experience gained thus far in furthering the conditions and efficiency of the Williams County Health Department.
Oscar and Alyssa have two kids, a son and a daughter, and all members of the family are active in the Wauseon community.
Commissioner Hernandez shared that he is committed to making sure that the Williams County Health Department is on the same page where making the community “feel welcome,” is concerned.
He added that “people always remember how you made them feel. I think an important part of being in a position like this, is being able to see how you can impact those in the community.”