Licking County's talented young leaders prepare for daunting challenges
NEWARK − The young talent in Licking County seems unlimited, but so do the challenges in a community facing rapid growth and development that will forever change the area.
The skill, ideas, motivation and enthusiasm of these young leaders will help determine how the county responds to Intel Corporation's $20 billion computer chip manufacturing facility just south of Johnstown, set to open in 2025 with 3,000 employees and thousands more working for its suppliers.
The Advocate's ninth 20 Under 40 list, compiled from more than 40 nominations, includes an impressive list working in law enforcement, firefighting, education, real estate, information technology, banking, roofing and cybersecurity.
And that's just their full-time jobs. They are just as impressive in their volunteer work, community activity, second jobs and day-to-day lives.
The list includes three trailblazing women.
Keisha Amspaugh, 36, of Mary Ann Township, is the only female fire chief in Licking County. She is chief at the Mary Ann Township Fire Department and also interim fire chief at Buckeye Lake Village Fire Department.
April Fleming, 39, of Newark, became the first female sergeant in the history of the Newark Police Department earlier this year. She's worked in the department 14 years.
Brianna Davis Johnson, 33, of New Albany, is the inaugural director of diversity, equity and inclusion at the Newark campus of Central Ohio Technical College and Ohio State University-Newark
The county is certainly going to need the input and leadership of all this year's 20 Under 40, as well as their peers, as it enters one of the more challenging periods in its history.
How should we respond to Intel?
Drake McArtor, 29, a repair technician at Boeing, member of the Madison Township zoning and comprehensive planning commissions and involved in 4-H Club and Licking Valley High School activities, believes the challenges ahead will reveal the community’s character.
“The Intel project provides Licking County with the opportunity to showcase our strong work ethic and talented workforce,” McArtor said. “The people of Licking County will prove they are ready to step up to the task. Our community leaders and members will have to work together and make plans that will not always be in agreement. We must not let this challenge divide our communities.”
Emily Hare, 31, of McKean Township, a clerk at the city of Newark tax office, president of the Licking County Players board, award-winning director, actor and stage manager, and counselor for children with physical and mental disabilities, said Intel may have a large impact on the younger generation.
“I believe that the Intel project offers great opportunity for keeping young people in Licking County,” Hare said. “Young adults have historically left the county for better job opportunities. With the arrival of Intel and other tech companies, I hope we can retain the next generation of leaders.”
Johnson said Intel will strengthen existing industries, but also pave the way for newcomers.
“I believe Intel’s arrival is pushing the community to think more broadly about what this community can accomplish and to adjust in a very short time span,” Johnson said. “I think this new chapter in Licking County history will also bring enormous opportunity to welcome new people and ideas to the community that can add to the richness that already exists.”
Jeremy Weekly, 38, of Licking Township, fire chief at Thorn Township Fire Department, Thornville, and recipient of three life-saving awards during 14 years as a firefighter/paramedic with the Newark Fire Department, warned about one of the possible pitfalls.
“With shortages among workers in all fields, it is critical to not stretch this region too thin, where communities are unable to provide the basic services to the communities they serve,” Weekly said. “We need to become creative and think outside the box to make sure those needs are met.”
Fleming also warned about the impact of rapid development on police and fire departments.
“Some of the challenges are the rapid growth in the communities, that could overwhelm some areas, as land develops, and infrastructures change,” Fleming said. “Another part to this is the rapid influx in population and the affect it will have on local first responders, who do not have the manpower or funds to get ahead of the growth and keep up with it.”
Kip Rooks, 38, of Pataskala, a real estate agent with Coldwell Banker King Thompson and founder of Blessing Hands community outreach organization, summed up the positive and negative aspects of the area’s rapid growth.
“I believe a big challenge that will come with the new Intel project will be the disappearance of that small hometown feel,” Rooks said. “The beautiful farmland that has been passed through many generations will soon dwindle away, which will be tough for many long-term residents, as well as the residents moving into the area for that reason.”
But Rooks can also see the many benefits that will come our way.
“Many big companies will show confidence right here locally, which will bring more opportunities for higher paying jobs,” Rooks said. “This will also bring better roads, water systems, technology, and services to make our area more appealing. With being a lifetime Licking County resident, I am saddened with some of the changes, but excited to see our future and plan on being a part of it.”
What should our leaders do?
The qualities of a good leader are varied, and the massive changes coming to Licking County will likely test all those abilities. These young leaders offer their advice on what will make the difference between success and failure.
Amspaugh, leading two fire departments, has gained some insight on leadership.
“Keeping an open mind has always been the forefront of my journey,” Amspaugh said. “The willingness and ability to adjust your focus and goals is so important in being successful.
“Being a leader is not always about supporting your team when they make the right decisions. Sometimes you have to be there and learn from mistakes right beside them. Never be afraid to say, ‘I don't know the answer... but, I will do my research and find it.’”
Nikki Richards, 34, of Newark, a corporate recruiter at Anomatic Corporation and founder of Licking County Pay It Forward, a Facebook page for people to donate items to those in need or share stories of help they’ve received, said the most important part of being a good leader is simple.
“Listen to the community,” Richards said. “Hosting more community involvement activities. Staying up to date on what resources are needed and allocating appropriate funding accordingly, such as transportation.”
Ryan Green, 34, of Johnstown, real estate agent at Keller Williams Greater Columbus, and member of Johnstown City Council, said there is time to prepare for upcoming developments.
“Although certain areas of the county will see growth faster than others, we all still have time to plan for what is ahead,” Green said. “Our leaders need to make sure they are building cohesive communities that connect well with each other. Planning and design become more important as we look to clearly define areas of business versus housing, recreation, and other uses.
What motivates you?
Continuing a tradition through the years of The Advocate’s 20 Under 40 selections, the winners said their motivation comes from their family, especially the future for their children, and service to their community. And, they have a sense of history and the importance of the immediate future.
“My motivation comes from my mother,” Rooks said. “Growing up I would watch her struggle as a single parent, yet she would give the shirt off her back to anyone in need.
Weekly said, “For me, this is something that I’ve seen as a child, watching my father serve the community as a firefighter/paramedic. In my career, people call on their worst day and I take pride in being able to go and help try to make things better.”
Lindsey Connell, 32, of Hanover, is a program evaluator in the administrative division of Licking County Job and Family Services, volunteers with Young Leaders of Licking County, Kiwanis Club of Newark, Women United with United Way, Friends of Boys and Girls Club of Newark and on the TrueCore Federal Credit Union Supervisory Committee.
Her motivation will be understood by all parents.
“In two words, my children,” Connell said. “I was born and raised here in Licking County, my children were born here and are being raised here as well. I hope that they feel a sense of community, see how much their community has to offer and know that if they ever need anything they have a community here to back them up.”
Richards, who volunteers with Mid-Ohio Food Pantry, St. Vincent DePaul, Salvation Army and Johns Helping Hands, said there is a benefit those helping others, as well as the recipients.
“The change that I see in people’s lives,” Richards said provides all the motivation she needs. “The way a small act of kindness can lead to a rippling effect and reach so many others.”
Benjamin Scott, 31, of Newark, a senior solutions architect with Dragos, an industrial cybersecurity company, works on weekends and one night a week as an Ohio Cyber Reservist, assisting local municipalities to reduce cyber threats.
“I want to ensure that the necessities of a modern civilization: running water, functioning electricity, safe industrial working environments, healthcare, internet and communication infrastructure, and a solid education are secured for my children, my family, and my community.
“There is an overwhelming need for more leaders in our community and if I can help influence even one person to start down the path of leadership, I will have succeeded.”
Joshua Doran, 33, of St. Albans Township, president/CEO at Veteran Companion Animal Services, a Delaware, Ohio public charity that places rescue dogs with veterans in need, also works as chief compliance officer at Combat Connect, a charitable organization working with military veterans and first responders to provide financial coaching, advocacy and career enhancement training.
"Local communities are the foundation of the nation," Doran said. "They are our neighbors and local businesses. I always try to support local businesses as much as possible. When I support local organizations, I am supporting the small-town feeling, which is what I love and what motivates me to make a difference locally."
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Quotable
Following are some of responses from The Advocate's 20 Under 40 recipients to the following three questions:
1 What challenges and opportunities do you believe the Intel project provides for Licking County?
Brittany Fairburn: “I believe housing will be the main challenge of the Intel project. There is already a housing shortage, and the incoming workforce will put further strain on the market. The opportunity I look forward to the most is the STEM programs that will benefit our local school districts and universities.”
Michael Houser: “Transportation is going to be a challenge. Cities like Newark could see increased traffic which could require expanding of high traffic roadways. Overall, it will of course bring economic growth. More jobs, housing, restaurants etc. The county and its cities will need to make sure they are adaptable and planning for this type of growth.”
Nathaniel Hurst: “The obvious opportunities that the Intel project provides include economic growth and the creation of new jobs. However, with these opportunities come challenges. These include stress on the local infrastructure such as increased traffic on already busy roads; increased demand in the housing market; and capacity issues at local schools.”
Benjamin Scott: “The Intel project will result in a massive investment in Licking County’s education, to assist in the development of a highly skilled, technical and paid workforce. The positive opportunities and benefits presented by the Intel project in Licking County far outweigh any of the potential challenges.”
2 What are the most important things Licking County leaders can do to secure a bright future for our community?
Joshua Altop: Licking County leaders’ continuous involvement and support in our organizations and local businesses will give those establishments confidence that the future will stay bright and that they will be a part of that community. The current makeup of our businesses working together to achieve community is what makes us strong now. As long as that is sustained, the county will strive long after any change.
Trevor Fisher: “Concentrating on the education and development of our youth is key. The better we can help mold our children into responsible adults, the better we will be as a community.”
Shane Smith: “It is vital to keep our publicly funded entities in mind as we begin to experience our expected growth. These services are critical to the families of our community and in many instances are already stretched thin.”
3 What motivates you to make a difference locally?
Megan Mansfield Ernest: “I am motivated to make a difference locally because I believe it is important to give back to your community. While I am a transplant to Newark and Licking County, I quickly felt like it was home, and I believe that is because of the local leaders I know encouraging me to become active in the community.”
Lisa Morse: “I’ve met some of the most wonderful people over the years while volunteering and gained a tremendous respect for the work that needs done in our community.”
This article originally appeared on Newark Advocate: Licking County's supply of young leaders continues to impress
