Meet The Advocate’s 20 Under 40 selections for 2022

Here are The Advocate’s 20 Under 40 selections for 2022, listed in alphabetical order by last name.

Joshua Altop, 38, of Newark, vice president of information technology at TrueCore Federal Credit Union. Responsibilities include direction and management of IT systems, staff and implementation of new products and services to assist employee efficiency. Previously, IT manager at Rockford Homes and IT technician at KDC in New Albany.

Community activities include Friends of Licking County Library board member, Young Leaders of Licking County member, treasurer TrueCore Foundation, Newark Advocate Digital Advisory Group. Recent graduate from Licking County Chamber of Commerce leadership program. Associate of Applied Business Degree from Central Ohio Technical College. Graduate of Lancaster High School, 2002.

Keisha Amspaugh, 36, of Mary Ann Township, fire chief at Mary Ann Township Fire Department and interim fire chief at Buckeye Lake Village Fire Department. Employed at Mary Ann Township FD for almost 17 years, the last year as chief. EMS coordinator for eight years. Newly-promoted assistant chief of Buckeye Lake Village FD, where she’s worked four years. Grant writer with Ohio First Responder grants. Previously worked at Licking Memorial Hospital as point of care technician in the emergency department.

The only female fire chief in Licking County. At Mary Ann Township FD, helps install smoke alarms for residents, helps families at Christmas, hosts trunks-or-treat and other activities for children, offers junior firefighter program for young adults and provides site to complete community service hours. Received recognition for patient care. Earned nursing degree from COTC, obtained EMT-Basic with C-TEC adult education. Certified continuing education instructor with state of Ohio and an ASHI instructor. Graduate of Licking Valley High School, 2004.

Lindsey Connell, 32, of Hanover, program evaluator in administrative division of Licking County Job and Family Services. Monitors contracts and internal processes to ensure accuracy and monitors summer youth programs to ensure quality services to youth. Tracks and updates accreditation policies and procedures. Does community outreach at local fairs and other events. Safety team member, ensuring sufficient and appropriate car seats for the agency and its partners. Previously worked at Discover Financial Services, Huntington Bank and All-Star Preschool.

Member of Young Leaders of Licking County, serving on the mentorship committee, Kiwanis Club of Newark Board, Women United with United Way, Friends of Boys and Girls Club Newark and on the TrueCore Federal Credit Union Supervisory Committee. Co-chairwoman on the JFS Performance and Quality Improvement Committee, the JFS Safety Team secretary and chairwoman of the JFS Employee Activities Committee. Member of Hanover Presbyterian Church, serving on the Fellowship Committee. Graduate of Ohio University-Zanesville and Licking Valley High School, 2008.

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, helping veterans, military families and dogs through the human-animal bond. 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. Military police in U.S. Army National Guard since 2008.

Veteran community advocate with Office of Military & Veterans Services, OSU. Homeless veteran housing acquisition volunteer with Veteran Connection. Needs assessment, environmental scan, and network analysis volunteer with the National Coalition for the Homeless. Strategic planning volunteer with Shalom Center Homeless Shelter. Founded student organization that advocated to expand and focus resources for disabled student veterans. Law and master’s degrees from Indiana University. Bachelor’s from Ohio State University. Graduate of New Albany High School, 2008.

Megan Mansfield Ernest, 26, of Newark, administrative manager at Newark Development Partners. Employed at Newark Development Partners since October 2021. Job responsibilities include email marketing and website management, working with current and potential tenants at two locations, serving as contact for local businesses in the Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area and other administrative and project management tasks. Previously, worked at Dawes Arboretum in the development office.

Philanthropy committee member for Young Leaders of Licking County. Board member for Explore Licking County. Board member for Newark City Parks and Recreation. Former junior high coach for Newark Catholic cross country and track. Graduate of Walsh University. Graduate of North Canton Hoover High School, 2014.

Brittany Fairburn, 27, of Newark, trust officer at Park National Bank. Employed at Park National Bank for five years, including four years in the Trust and Investments Department. Assists clients in meeting financial goals and preparing their estate plan. Also, acts as corporate trustee, executor and agent for client accounts.

Board member of Lakewood Education Foundation, Look Up Center and Mental Health America of Licking County. Committee member of City of Newark Human Resources Commission. Member of Young Leaders of Licking County. Former mentee in YLLC Mentorship Program. Youth group leader, third and fourth grade Sunday school teacher and treasurer of the Missions Committee at Heath Church of Christ. Graduate of Cannon Financial Institution’s Cannon Trust School. Licking County Community Leadership Program participant. Graduate of Ohio State University. Graduate of Lakewood High School, 2013.

Trevor Fisher, 39, of Granville, CEO/owner at Precision Slate and Tile Roofing Company, Columbus. Employed 12 years at Precision Slate and Tile Roofing. As CEO, oversees the daily operations of the company. A technical expert in the trade, helps solve any issues that arise in the field. Previously worked at General Restoration Corporation.

Community involvement includes 20 years with the Ohio Air National Guard, three years as Columbus youth rugby coach, two years as Granville youth soccer coach, and one year with Granville Athletic Boosters. Named a Ludowici Tile Gold Crown Installer. Attended Ohio State for two years. Graduate of St. Francis DeSales High School, 2001.

April Fleming, 39, of Newark, police sergeant at Newark Police Department. Employed with NPD for 14 years. Began in 2008 as full-time dispatcher. In April, became first female sergeant for the department. Oversees team of six officers. A Taser instructor and defensive tactics instructor. Assistant crime scene investigator, assisting in processing scenes and collecting evidence. Previously, part-time dispatcher at Heath Police Department and worked full-time for the National Youth Advocate Program as treatment coordinator for foster care families.

Co-founder of department’s community engagement program Kids and Badges, which builds relationships in the community and bridges the gap between youth and first responders. Took the lead in first Community Day event, an effort to bring the community into the world of policing and teach them aspects of the job while participating in fun activities. A certified Rape Aggression Defense instructor, teaching free self-defense classes to women. Awards include Medal of Merit, life-saving, physical fitness, and a Meritorious Unit Award for handling an attempted murder. Began the Women in Law Enforcement specialty group in the department to motivate and empower female officers. Graduate of Ohio State University with degree in social work. Graduate of Heath High School, 2001.

Ryan Green, 34, of Johnstown, real estate agent at Keller Williams Greater Columbus, and member of Johnstown City Council. Real estate agent with Keller Williams for five years. Owner of Green Mallett Property Services, which specializes in property maintenance, mowing and landscaping, for four years. Previously worked as territory sales manager for Scotts Miracle Gro, risk coordinator for MXD Group and page for the Ohio 26th Senate District.

On Johnstown City Council, chairman of the planning and zoning committee, economic development committee, and previously the Personnel Board of Review. Also, member of Licking County Republican Party central and executive committees, Volunteer Downtown Johnstown Inc., Elks Club 391, Johnstown Charter Review Board, and steering committee for Johnstown comprehensive plan. Named the 2021 Republican of the Year from the Licking County Republican Party. Graduate of Ohio State University. Graduate of Watkins Memorial High School, 2007.

Emily Hare, 31, of McKean Township, clerk at city of Newark tax office. As account clerk, audits tax filings submitted by businesses and individuals. Posts processed payments and tax filings to taxpayer accounts, processes refund requests and assists taxpayers with filings and questions. Previous employment includes bookkeeper at Healing Art Missions, bookkeeper at Si Digman LLC, waitress at Moundbuilders Country Club, color guard instructor for Granville Marching Band and manager at Whit’s Frozen Custard.

President of Licking County Players board of directors. Participated in several shows as actor, stage manager, rehearsal assistant, assistant director and director. Performed on stage at OSU-Newark’s Black Box Theater. Assists with Y Healthy Kids backpack program at First Presbyterian Church of Newark, where she also served as liturgist and treasurer. Counselor for ARC Camp for those with physical and mental disabilities. Traveled to Haiti twice, once with Healing Art Missions and once with group from First Presbyterian Church. Received Excellence in Direction Award at Ohio Community Theatre Association central region festival for directing Heart Problems. Nominated for Broadway World Regional Award for Best Supporting Actress. Associate degree in accounting from Central Ohio Technical College. Bachelor’s from Grove City College. Graduate of Utica High School, salutatorian, 2010.

Michael Houser, 23, of Newark, trust officer at Park National Bank and member of Newark City Council. At PNB, an advisor on investments, includes helping people plan for retirement and making sure they have solid financial plans that meet their goals. Also serves as corporate trustee and executor. Joined Newark City Council in January. Worked at a variety of other places in high school, including Granville IGA and Timbuk Farms.

Serves on the board of trustees for the Look Up Center. Works on the committee for the Young Leaders of Licking County mentorship program. Previously served on the board of trustees for the Carol Strawn Center. Volunteers with a variety of non-profits, including Habitat for Humanity and United Way. Participated in cleanups, including Licking County River Roundup and South Newark Civic Association. Graduated from Thomas Edison State University. Homeschooled and graduated in 2017.

Nathaniel Hurst, 33, of Granville, attorney with Reese Pyle Meyer. Employed with Reese Pyle Meyer since 2019. Job duties include civil and criminal litigation. Previously worked at the Licking County Prosecutor’s Office, from 2015 to 2019.

Licking County Drug Court treatment team, defense attorney representative. Granville Public Library Board member. Licking County Bar Association member. Graduate of Ohio University with degrees in history and psychology. Attended Capital University Law School and earned law degree in 2014. Licensed to practice law in the state of Ohio and U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Ohio. Graduate of Granville High School, 2007.

Brianna Davis Johnson, 33, of New Albany, inaugural director of diversity, equity and inclusion at COTC and OSU-N. Responsible for leading campus efforts to create more diverse, equitable, and inclusive environment, including assessing policies/practices, creating workshops/trainings, and designing strategic initiatives. Team-teaching cultural diversity course alongside COTC President John Berry at COTC campus in Coshocton. Previously, program manager for the Ohio Louis Stokes Alliance for Minority Participation program at OSU. Worked at University of Texas, University of Illinois at Chicago, Northwestern University, Syracuse University, and Metropolitan Community College, Kansas City.

Advisory board member for The Works. Member of the Buckeye Valley Family YMCA Diversity and Inclusion Task Force. Chairwoman of the New Albany Inclusion, Diversity and Equity Action Implementation Panel. Doctorate from University of Texas. Master’s degree from Northwestern University. Bachelor’s from Washington University. Graduate of Brookfield East High School, Brookfield, Wisconsin, 2007.

Drake McArtor, 29, of Madison Township, product modification/repair technician at Boeing since 2016. Performs tasks associated with assembly, disassembly and troubleshooting of aerospace guidance systems. A Boeing Resource Group leader, creating and managing outreach projects to help bridge the gap between generations in the workforce. Previously worked as lot loader and bookkeeper for Home Depot, assisting customers with loading purchases and maintaining bookkeeping records for weekend transactions.

Member of Madison Township Zoning Commission and Madison Township Comprehensive Planning Commission. The zoning commission is updating zoning policies, working with trustees and community members. The comprehensive planning commission works with community members to design a plan with long-range goals. Organizational advisor for 4-H Club, managing club activities and assisting members with 4-H projects. Licking Valley FFA Alumni member. Former Licking Valley Stakeholders Committee member. Former assistant coach of Licking Valley High School Girls soccer team. Attending DeVry University with expected graduation date of February. Attended Heidelberg University. Graduate of Licking Valley High School, 2012.

Lisa Morse, 37, of Pataskala, senior mortgage lender at Union Savings Bank, Reynoldsburg. Senior mortgage loan officer, lending in both residential and commercial mortgage space. Previously worked as mortgage loan officer at The Union Bank Company and First Federal Savings. She was also a corporate facilitator at Chase Bank.

Board president and chairwoman of the finance and executive committees at Behavioral Healthcare Partners of Central Ohio. Survivor Outreach Volunteer at American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. Volunteer at The Children’s Heart Foundation. Member of Pataskala Area Chamber of Commerce. Previously, Mid-Ohio Food Bank Operation Feed campaign coordinator, volunteer with United Way of Licking County and volunteer with She Has a Name. Graduate of Southern New Hampshire University. Graduate of Watkins Memorial High School/Licking County Joint Vocational School, 2004.

Nikki Richards, 34, of Newark, corporate recruiter at Anomatic Corporation, Newark. Anomatic manufactures a large quantity of aluminum parts for cosmetic companies' packaging, including Revlon, Maybelline, Estee Lauder and Mary Kay. Source to seat recruitment for three corporate locations in Ohio. Previously, owner of Bella Vita Massage Studio.

Founder of Licking County Pay It Forward, a new Facebook page for people to post about items they have to spare to help those in need, or share stories of good turns they’ve received. Volunteer with Mid-Ohio Food Pantry, St. Vincent De Paul, Salvation Army, Johns Helping Hands. Dean’s List at Ohio State. Graduate of Ohio State University. Graduate of Licking Valley High School, 2006.

Kip Rooks, 38, of Pataskala, real estate agent with Coldwell Banker King Thompson. An expert in the market, the changes/impacts/listing inventory, negotiations, document management, marketing, helping buyers and sellers navigate real estate transactions. Previously employed by HER Realtors.

Community involvement includes coaching or volunteering with youth sports. Provides personal physical training to help promote a healthy lifestyle. Started Blessing Hands, an organization that does community events, including a back-to-school drive to provide students with what they need for a successful school year. Thanksgiving Basket Food Drive provides local families in need with a Thanksgiving meal. Supported 177 families last year with help from various churches, businesses and citizens. A Christmas gift list provides presents for children and parents. Also, involved in cleanups throughout the community. Honors include Columbus Board of Realtors Presidential Award, 2021 Fastest-Growing Agent Award, Top 25% Award and Ohio Realtors President's Sales Club Award. Attended Hondros College, Central Ohio Technical College and Ohio State University. Graduate of Licking Heights High School, 2002.

Benjamin Scott, 31, of Newark, senior solutions architect with Dragos, an industrial cybersecurity company. Works with customers and partners on their industrial cybersecurity journey to identify and understand their needs. Board member and investor at Buckeye Shooting Center, providing guidance and advice on company policies, oversight of company managerial positions. Cyber reservist at Ohio Cyber Reserve, assisting local municipalities to reduce cyber threats, providing workforce development for the cyber talent of the future and assisting STEM teachers for high school cyber clubs.

Member of Central Ohio ISSA, Newark Lodge 97, Free Masons and Young Leaders of Licking County. Certified Ethical Hacker certification. Cybersecurity Management II Tactical Excellence Award, Western Governors University, November 2021. President’s 2021 Circle Award, Spectrum Enterprise. Graduate of Champlain College. Graduate of Newark High School, 2009.

Shane Smith, 37, of Pataskala, director of information technology at Licking County Board of DD, where he’s worked for eight years. A one-man IT shop, managing the internal training staff. Previously worked at Hopewell Federal Credit Union as an IT specialist.

Member of the C-TEC Network Technician Advisory Council. Received the 2019 Licking County Board of DD Superintendent’s Award. Graduate of Ohio State University. Graduate of Network Technician Program at C-TEC and Newark Catholic High School, 2003.

Jeremy Weekly, 38, of Licking Township, fire chief at Thorn Township Fire Department, Thornville. Began as part-time fire chief in 2015, and became full-time chief in January. Oversees administrative and operational sides of the department, including budgeting, planning, hiring, training and scheduling. Also responds as incident commander or to provide assistance where needed. Before joining Thorn Township full-time, worked 14 years with city of Newark as firefighter/paramedic. Also worked part-time and volunteered with Hebron and Licking Township departments.

Member of Lakewood Board of Education, serving on finance and policy committees. Involved with the Lakewood Band Boosters. Teaches firefighting at C-TEC. Selected Pleasant Township Firefighter of the Year in 2007. Received three life-saving awards at Newark Fire Department. Received unit citation for actions on a Moull Street fire. At Newark, successfully wrote grant that purchased Thermal Imagining Cameras. Attending Columbia Southern University, working on bachelors in fire administration. Received associate degree from Columbia Southern University. Graduate of Lakewood High School, 2003.

This article originally appeared on Newark Advocate: Meet The Advocate’s 20 Under 40 selections for 2022