Community West Foundation Board of Directors Spotlight: Bill Oatey

Bill Oatey has been on the Community West Foundation Board of Directors since 2006 including a 4-year term as Chair. He is currently serving as Chair of the Grants Committee which oversees the grantmaking process. “It’s a wonderful foundation. They clearly define where they give, and that resonated with me,” he said. “As I started going on site visits to nonprofit agencies, it made me aware of the need in our own backyard. I’ve come to greatly admire the people who work at these agencies, dedicating their lives to helping those in need.”

Bill studied business at Wittenberg University and later earned a Master of Business Administration from Baldwin-Wallace College. He was in the Leadership Cleveland Class of 1998. His entire career was spent at Oatey Company, founded by his grandfather in 1916. The company started with one product and now manufactures over 6,000 for the plumbing industry. He rose through the ranks, working in all aspects of the business, from inventory control, purchasing, materials, distribution, human resources, to Vice Chairman. He is currently on the Oatey Company Board of Directors.

Bill is an active member of his church, Bay Presbyterian, serving on its board, and as a past Elder and Deacon. Around 20 years ago, through the church, he went on the first of many mission trips to Guatemala. “I saw first-hand the need for clean water and sanitation,” he commented. Thus, his passion for clean water began. Through Living Waters of the World, where he is a board member, Bill plays a key role in the installation of clean water systems in Guatamala and other Central and South American countries. He also supports other clean water organizations including Drink Local Drink Tap, Water Missions, and The Cleveland Water Alliance.

Among Bill’s past board affiliations are the West Shore YMCA, Youth Challenge, West Side Ecumenical Ministry and Entrepreneurs for Sustainability. His interests include investments, travel and fitness. He is also an avid boater and longtime member of Cleveland Yachting Club.

Bill and his wife, Jill, have been married for 43 years. Spending time with family is a priority for the Oateys who have three adult children and six grandchildren.

Community West Foundation is dedicated to supporting organizations that provide the basic needs of food, clothing, shelter, and medical care in the greater Cleveland area. Originally known as the Fairview/Lutheran Foundation, Community West has been supporting these Cleveland Clinic hospitals as well as many community non-profit agencies through grantmaking since 1997. Under the guidance of the Board of Directors, Community West has grown its giving exponentially over the past 20 years. In 2019, Community West distributed $7M in grants.

The mission of Community West Foundation is to advance the health and well being of our community. The staff and Board of Directors are guided by the words in Matthew 25:35-40: “For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me… Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.”

For more information, contact Community West Foundation at 440-360-7370 or visit CommunityWestFoundation.org.