Meet Our Leaders

MIKE VANDER WOUDE

DIRECTOR OF CORPORATE COMMUNICATIONS

What is your background and career path at Heidelberg?
I started at Heidelberg in September of 2012 as Communications Manager, working for Lee Oberlag, VP of Corporate Communications, in the Cincinnati office. One of the first projects that I started was the 75^th Anniversary Video for the company. Shortly after that the department began our video program, which has grown into Monday’s with Mary, Talking Beer and supplier videos. It has also morphed into training and educational videos for our Associates.

In August of 2015, I was named Director of Corporate Communications with Lee’s pending retirement. Prior to joining Heidelberg, I spent 20 years as a radio and TV broadcaster. I worked in professional baseball with three different minor league teams as a broadcaster and media relations director. I have also broadcasted college athletics for Michigan State University, Purdue University, The University of Iowa, and the University of Dayton.

What are your job responsibilities and priorities?
The Communications Department handles all internal and external communications for the company (company announcements, job postings, etc.), the Roar On newsletter (both digital and printed), the annual Albert W. Vontz Jr. Scholarship, social media, the company website, Heidelberg Star, Associate Shout Outs, Appreciation Days for Associates and whatever else comes across our desks having to do with getting a message out!

Any recent accomplishments or notable projects from you/your team?
The new Heidelberg website and print order form have taken up a lot of the department’s time. Everyone in the communications department and printshop did a great job over the past 12 months with development, training and implementation.

Who do you interact with on a regular basis – suppliers, retailers, management, HDC “wheel” teams?
We work with all departments in the company that need help with their messaging. At some point in time during the year, we get the opportunity to interact with all of our HDC “Wheel” Teams. Through our video initiative, we get the opportunity to work with and interact with numerous suppliers, helping them to tell their story about their products. Being a part of the Directors team, I am also awarded the opportunity to give input and to interact with the other departments that are represented by that great group!

How do you like to spend time when you’re away from work (family/hobbies)?
I spend a lot of my time at my kids’ sporting events with my wife Jackie. Our son Brody (almost 13) is a football, basketball and baseball player and Mya (11) plays basketball and softball. I love music, enjoy going to concerts and spending time with my family and friends.