From her childhood entrepreneurial ventures to her academic achievements to her love of people, Hannah Montana is a testament to the power of connection and community. Alongside her husband and brand-new baby daughter, she navigates the joys of parenthood while striving to empower others in the workplace. Her story is one of ambition, local ties, and an unwavering commitment to empowering others.

Hannah serves as the Employee Relations Manager at The Gerken Companies, where her genuine passion for human resources shines through in everything she does. With a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Bowling Green State University, specializing in Business Management, Hannah has a well-rounded grasp of various business functions. From accounting to marketing, she found herself spanning a versatile spectrum of interests that ultimately directed her career path to HR.

Hannah’s entrepreneurial zest started at the young age of 10, when she launched her own little “ventures”—selling homemade jello door-to-door, offering manicures and room cleaning services to her siblings, and doing anything else she could imagine to help people while earning money. Those early experiences sparked her love for business and working with people, a passion that blossomed as her career progressed.

An internship in an HR department while she was still in school solidified Hannah’s interest in human resources. Her enthusiasm for cheering on and supporting others, a skill she honed as a cheerleader throughout middle and high school, led her to pursue a Master’s degree in Human Resources Management. Over the past eight years, she has gained extensive experience in recruitment, staffing, contract negotiation, benefits administration, policy implementation, employee relations, and training, thriving in the dynamic nature of HR, where every day brings new challenges and opportunities for growth.

Family Life and Interests

Born and raised in Napoleon, Ohio, Hannah grew up dreaming about living in a big city. It wasn’t until she spent a semester studying abroad in Spain during her college years that she realized how much she enjoys the small-town, simple life.

“Had it not been for my time in Spain, I might not have realized how deeply rooted I am in my community,” she reflects.

While in Spain, Hannah forged a meaningful friendship with her randomly assigned roommate, and they were part of each other’s weddings. Their yearly reunions are a testament to the lasting bond they’ve created.

Through a fun twist of fate, Hannah shares a name with a beloved musical icon. She’s married to Joe, who just so happens to share a name with the legendary football quarterback. Although discussing how she became Hannah Montana can become tiresome, the couple enjoys that the story initiates conversations.

Although the couple attended different high schools, Hannah fondly recalls the friendly rivalries when their teams faced off. “I remember seeing Joe at basketball games, sitting in the student section while I was cheering on the sideline. I never talked to him because he didn’t really seem my type at the time,” she jokes.

Their love story began at BGSU, where mutual friends introduced them during a casual gathering. After their first encounter, Joe boldly declared to a friend, “I’m going to marry that girl someday.”

“I still don’t believe he said that,” Hannah laughs, reflecting on their serendipitous meeting.

In August 2025, Hannah and Joe welcomed their first child, a beautiful daughter named Zola. Becoming parents has been a profoundly rewarding experience for the couple, and they cherish every moment spent with their happy, healthy baby girl. Currently residing in the quiet town of Hamler, Hannah’s strong roots in Napoleon keep her connected to her upbringing and community.

Hannah discovered her passion for golf seven years ago when Joe gave her a set of clubs as a wedding gift. Since then, her enthusiasm for the sport has grown, leading her to participate in leagues, outings, and even play at prestigious courses, such as those on the Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail and Torrey Pines in California. One of her and Joe’s favorite adventures is attending the Waste Management Phoenix Open PGA golf tournament (they’ve made five trips so far). In fact, the couple appears in a clip from the tournament in an episode of the immersive documentary series Full Swing, now streaming on Netflix.

When she’s not on the golf course, you’ll often find Hannah indulging her love for cleaning and organizing—activities that she finds relaxing and therapeutic. “Call me crazy,” she jokes.

Career Goals

Hannah is passionate about enhancing the team member development aspect of her role, while still effectively managing Employee Relations. One of her most memorable achievements has been her involvement in planning and leading the Annual “GerCon” Training. The experience ignited her desire to develop additional training programs that empower employees to grow both personally and professionally.

“I try my very best to really understand where people are coming from,” says Hannah, ”especially all of our hard-working employees out in the field.” Joe also works in road construction, so while Hannah is not physically putting in long days on job sites, she understands the toll it takes on family life. For that reason, she makes it a priority to listen and ensure that each person feels heard.

A significant influence in Hannah’s career has been a former boss whose unique blend of professionalism and approachable demeanor fostered a fun and comfortable work environment. The positive culture they cultivated made a lasting impression on her.

“As a mentor, he imparted foundational skills that are crucial building blocks in my career,” reflects Hannah. “More importantly, he taught me the value of creating a workplace where employees feel valued and engaged.”

With her rich background in HR and team member relations, Hannah continues to make a meaningful impact at The Gerken Companies. As she balances her family life and personal interests, she remains focused on her career goals, enhancing team member development and nurturing positive relationships within the organization. Her story exemplifies the power of connection, compassion, and hard work, inspiring those around her to strive for excellence in both their professional and personal lives.