Meet Your Neighbor

Read more about your neighbors featured in the latest issue of the Minerva Park Community Association Newsletter

Meet the Gilbert-Hammett family! Brandi, Carl, and their daughter Charli moved to Wolfbirch Drive in May 2020 after searching for a home on the northeast side of Columbus. Their realtor encouraged them to consider two new-build homes in Minerva Park that had just become available. While Brandi loved the idea of a new home, she wasn’t familiar with the area. During their visit, a chance meeting with the future next-door neighbors—who had stopped by to check on their own build—gave Brandi a great feeling about the neighborhood. That brief interaction sealed the deal, and the family decided to buy. That first impression proved right as they’ve since built strong friendships and truly enjoy the close-knit Minerva Park community.

Brandi is from Toledo & moved to Columbus to attend The Ohio State University. She was hired on as staff before graduating and, as she likes to say, has held nearly every position in HR at the University. She is currently the Human Resources Director for OSU’s College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences.

Carl is from Akron, where he worked in manufacturing. He moved to Columbus in 2010 and works as an insurance claims representative for West Coast clients. He also recently started working for Honda and is excited to be transitioning back into manufacturing.

Brandi and Carl met through Carl’s brother, who attended OSU with Brandi. When Carl came to visit, the two quickly connected. After dating for two years, Carl moved to Columbus, and the couple married in 2012.

Brandi and Carl first met through Carl’s brother, who attended OSU with Brandi. While his brother didn’t intentionally set them up, the two quickly connected when Carl came to visit. They dated for two years before Carl made the move to Columbus, and they married in 2012.

Though they stay busy, Brandi and Carl make time to support the teachers and students at Minerva France Elementary. Brandi is an active member of the PTA, serving as the staff appreciation chair and is PTA Vice President-elect, to serve for the 2025–2026 school year. She is a leader for Charli’s Girl Scout troop and takes pride in representing diversity at the school and within the troop. Their troop focuses on building confidence, STEM learning, public speaking, and exploring future career possibilities—often by welcoming OSU professors as guest speakers.

The family loves how Minerva Park feels like a quiet village tucked inside a busy city. They enjoy the MPCA kids’ parties, watching neighborhood kids play on the nearby basketball court and playground, and look forward to building many more friendships within the Village and the greater Westerville community.

If you or a neighbor would like to be featured in an upcoming Meet Your Neighbor article, please email ErinCaseyOxender@gmail.com.