Josh Hlavaty always envisioned a life in agriculture, not politics. Growing up in Jeromesville, Ohio, he had always planned to be a full-time farmer. But God, using Josh’s Forge training and network, led him to a dual calling—co-owning his family’s 20,000-bird chicken farm while also serving as the Director of Policy of one of the nation’s largest Christian healthshare ministries.
Josh’s journey into politics began with the pro-life movement, specifically the Ohio Heartbeat Bill. His parents had a personal relationship with the bill’s author, which gave him a front seat to the intersection of politics and the pro-life cause. “That cracked the door to my involvement, and it snowballed when I realized there were dozens of other important issues that I cared about,” Josh explained. Eager to learn more, Josh dove into local politics, attended educational seminars, and ultimately enrolled in Ashland University’s Political Economy Program.
Josh first attended the Forge Leadership Summit in 2020 and was immediately struck by the high caliber of the attendees.
“At Forge, I was shocked by the level of professionalism around me. My multiple trips to Congress for advocacy and campaign work were norms, not outliers. Forge surrounded me with focused peers who weren’t just interested in politics but were involved.”
Josh participating in “Campaign-in-a-Day” at the 2020 Forge Leadership Summit.
Ever since joining the Forge Network, Josh has been sowing seeds that are unlike what he had originally envisioned. “After I was done with the Forge Summit, I decided I needed to pursue a political career and see where it takes me.” And take him places it did—he went from political campaign manager to legislative aide in the Ohio House, then ran for Ohio House Representative. Josh came within 95 votes out of almost 13,000 cast, from pulling an upset victory and being a State Representative. But he was undeterred and pressed on.
Josh is now the Director of Policy at Christian Healthcare Ministries. He was also recently appointed to local office – his hometown, Apple Creek Village Council. Josh didn’t have to leave the state to make a difference; He is deeply rooted in Ohio and firmly planted in his community.
Josh was appointed to the Apple Creek Village Council in February of 2025.
“Forge solidified that I’m not going to be the type of person who stands to the side when I see that there are very clear issues in my community, in this country, in this world that need somebody to stand up and do something. I got to the point where I felt like it was my duty to get involved.”
Josh’s “duty to get involved” is personal as he lays down roots in Ohio and prepares to welcome a baby boy with his wife, Heidi, this summer.
Josh and Heidi Hlavaty announcing their first child due Summer 2025.
When Josh thinks of Forge, he is reminded of the biblical story of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. “If I was in that situation, I know my decision to stand for what is right would be a lot easier if I had someone on my left and right.”
That is what Forge gave Josh: a courageous network of movers and shakers on both flanks, advancing the conservative cause, and impacting their communities.
Want to hear more from Josh himself? Click below to watch a short interview clip where he shares more about his Forge Story and where God is leading him.
Josh’s Forge story is unique, but the transformation that occurred in his life because of Forge is common for Forge Fellows. Thank you for reading and supporting the mission and vision of Forge Leadership Network!
Adam is passionate about investing his future in the future of students who will become the next innovators in the marketplace, champions of free enterprise, inspiring educators, shapers of culture, and statesmen and stateswomen in government.
Joseph Backholm is Senior Fellow for Biblical Worldview and Strategic Engagement at Family Research Council. He combines extensive legal, political, and policy experience with a love for the way biblical truth cultivates human flourishing.
