By Janet C. Wetzel
Enquirer contributor

Todd Ward was disappointed when his second bid for City Council in 2001was unsuccessful. He wanted to help make a difference in his community. But that loss made him realize he didn't have to be in politics to achieve that goal.

A volunteer for many years, he's decided to concentrate on his work for non-profit organizations, including Aids Volunteers of Cincinnati (AVOC).

"I don't think I understood the real power of volunteering until after my loss in the council race,'' said Ward, 37, of Westwood.

"I started then to examine how I do affect this community through my work, and I realized I didn't really lose at all," he said. "I have a podium and a place to stand and say 'It's not just government that can help fix the problems in any community.' That's all I wanted to do as a councilman. ... Volunteer leadership is the best way I know of to help."

Ward is board chairman and a 10-year volunteer for Enjoy the Arts in Over-the-Rhine, devoting 10-15 hours each month. He's been on the board of the Emanuel Community Center in Over-the-Rhine for two years.

For 10 years, he's been involved with the Ohio River Valley Arthritis Foundation, and is a senior trustee.

"I started out running the grounds crew for one of the arthritis foundation events, and just stayed on to help," said Ward, a former Ohio Economic Development representative under governors Voinovich and Taft, who also served three years as chief legislative officer and senior staff member for Ohio Treasurer J. Kenneth Blackwell.

He spends five to 10 hours at AVOC each week. He's board treasurer and is on the executive committee for a capital campaign.

"I basically help make sure it's being managed financially responsibly," said Ward, an economic development consultant. "That helps ensure that those who do the real, hands-on work can do so without fear of budget cuts that would severely limit their effectiveness in working with people who are HIV-positive. But every now and then, I like to just roll up my sleeves and help with painting or maintenance."

Vickie Brooks, AVOC executive director, said Ward has been an asset for the organization, which offers services to 1,000 clients with HIV/AIDS or their families, plus does HIV prevention and educational outreach to about 250,000 people annually.

"Todd has been incredibly active," said Brooks. "He's given 100 percent of himself to this cause."

Do you know a Hometown Hero - someone in your community dedicated to making it a better place to live and helping others? E-mail Janet Wetzel at jjwetzel@siscom.net, or fax to 513-755-4150.