In FOCUS - Bill Crawford

Bill Crawford. While he may not be an ‘actual’ resident of Hancock County, he lives right across the river, and spends plenty of time working, volunteering and entertaining in our area. You don’t have to live here to belong here, and Bill Crawford proves that. So much so, that we’ll just say he’s an ‘adopted’ Hancock County resident. Bill and his wife, Teresa, raised their two adult sons, Jordan and Owen, right here in the Ohio Valley. While this article is here to shine the spotlight on Bill, he will be the first to tell you that his wife and kids all share the same sense of service above self. They all selflessly have given their time, efforts and talent to our benefit.

After many years of service in our local potteries, Bill found his calling within the perfect niche of a job. He is the Director of Marketing and Community Relations with Hancock County Savings Bank. The role of Director of Community Relations is no small task. It requires vision, diplomacy, and a genuine heart for people. It calls for someone who can not only build relationships but also nurture them. Someone who sees the bigger picture while never losing sight of the individuals who make up our community. That’s Bill in a nutshell. The same could be said for his employer. Hancock County Savings Bank has a long history of commitment to the communities they serve.

Part of his role in Community Relations, involves financial literacy programs for the area’s youth. Bill and his amazing coworkers spend time organizing workshops in schools and local parks with elementary children. (Usually with the 4th and 5th graders.) One of their most important roles is teaching young people how money works in matters of saving, budgeting, credit, and investing. They help the kids learn how to avoid common financial mistakes and build confidence. Bill says sometimes he is pleasantly surprised by how quickly the kids catch onto the financial tips they share with them. This kind of education can change life trajectories, especially in areas where financial knowledge isn’t widely passed down. In a small community, this role goes far beyond public relations—it becomes a bridge between opportunity and the next generation. When done well, the impact isn’t just financial; it shapes confidence, ambition, and the future direction of the entire community. They help them open their first savings account and give them a sense of independence and responsibility.  They also connect high schoolers with internships or part-time jobs through the bank. The support and commitment from his co-workers have made the literacy program the success it is. It’s a Team effort. His mentorship and leadership have created ripple effects.  I wonder if Bill even realizes the impact he’s had, and continues to have on these children?

Speaking of . . . The family that nominated Bill to be highlighted in this blog, was impacted by Bill’s efforts several years ago with the Team Mojo Foundation. A tri-state area 501c3 non profit that Bill founded and ran from 2010-2020. Bill shares that his  ‘keep livin’ right’ mindset woke him up with an epiphany one morning about connecting those that “have” – with those that do not have. Voila – Team Mojo was created. His foundation, it’s members, and  it’s volunteers, raised money to help those children that are underserved and underprivileged be able to participate in events, activities and sports that they otherwise might have missed out on.  In addition to Bicycle Giveaways, Team Mojo Foundation raised an impressive $250,000 in financial assistance to over 5,000 K-12 children. Those are impressive numbers. Multiply those numbers by the number of kids and families involved and you can only imagine the impact.  (Bill will tell you his greatest reward from Team Mojo is knowing that the foundation had a positive impact on so many.) Thank you Bill! For your dedication, your vision, and your heart. Thank you for being a leader who not only represents our community but truly invests in it.

Yes. Bill’s Team Mojo Foundation brought people together. Through his leadership, relationships were created and strengthened. People have flourished and the community has become more connected and united.  But what makes Bill Crawford truly extraordinary is that he leads not only with strategy and purpose—but also with a gift. A gift of music. A gift of songwriting. A gift that he was probably born with and just didn’t realize it until later in life.

Bill reminiscences about the Saturday night ‘house parties’ his maternal grandmother, Martha had. The house would be full of live musicians, mostly Bluegrass and some traditionalists. Bill says he was just a youngster. He didn’t think he was paying attention, but realizes now, he was. Whether leading initiatives or leading a song, Bill brings the same passion, authenticity, and dedication. He gives voice to hope, to healing, and to the stories that need to be heard. His original songs are not just melodies – they are messages. Messages that inspire change, encourage perseverance and remind us of what truly matters. Let’s face it, there are moments when words alone are not enough—when a melody can reach places that conversations cannot. Bill has used that gift to inspire, to uplift, and to bring people together in a way that only music can. His music honors his Grandma Martha’s Bluegrass roots, but with a soulful smoothness. Throw a little humor into the mix – and you get the music of Bill Crawford.

Recently Bill, the ‘old’ man Willy, performed with some younger Crawdads; Shaun, Asa, and Parker at the Music and Art Event at Oak Glen High School. He enjoys collaborating with young musicians. He says that he is astonished at their natural talent. Working with them, helps keep Bill young and in the words of Toby Keith, helps him to not let the Old Man in.

In a world where it’s easy to be heard but harder to be felt, Bill has the rare ability to do both. Whether speaking to a crowd or singing from the heart, he connects with people in a way that is authentic and deeply meaningful. He has a way of appreciating the values and the roots of our older generation and naturally encourages the dreams and passions of the young. He connects the two with respect and encouragement. He uses every gift, and God given talent – not for recognition – but for a cause greater than himself. To encourage hearts, strengthen spirits, and remind us of the power of unity and hope. So today, we celebrate not just a remarkable Director of Community Relations, but also a gifted artist whose talents continue to bless and uplift us all. Thank you, Bill Crawford, for your leadership, your commitment to our communities, your creativity, and the beautiful way you use your gifts to serve others.