Ross McDonald
Director of Community Expansion
Describe your prior experience working in the nonprofit, government, and/or public service fields.
My public service started at a county emergency management agency shortly after graduating from Ohio Wesleyan University in 2010. This experience motivated me to pursue a career in public service at the local level.
In 2011, I began an exciting 13-year journey as a county election official. During this time, election administration took me from central Ohio to beautiful northeast Ohio, where I’ve proudly called home for nearly 10 years. Starting in 2015, I served as Deputy Director of Elections for Lake County, eventually becoming Director in 2018. Throughout my 8 years serving Lake County, I led key projects such as implementing new voting equipment and conducted 20 successful elections.
Outside of my day job, I became involved with the Painesville-based nonprofit, Extended Housing, Inc., as a citizen committee member. Extended Housing works to stem homelessness in Lake County by providing individuals with permanent supportive housing and connecting residents with the healthcare they may need. In 2019, I joined the organization as a board member and eventually became President of the Board in 2020.
Why did you decide to join the NOPEC team?
As I read the exciting responsibilities of my position, Director of Community Expansion, I thought my experience working with elected officials, local government leaders, and members of the business and nonprofit communities aligned with what NOPEC was looking for. Once I had the chance to meet NOPEC Executive Director Chuck Keiper and the members of the Leadership Team, I learned what kind of workplace culture exists at NOPEC and what kind of impact NOPEC is making in our member communities. Workplace culture and community impact are the two key reasons for my decision. Now I’m in my third week at NOPEC and I’m thrilled to serve this organization alongside my incredible new teammates.
Describe your role at NOPEC and how you hope to help NOPEC communities in the future.
As Director of Community Expansion, I’ll have the chance introduce new communities to the host of resources and benefits NOPEC provides its members. To help me do this, I’ll work closely with our Leadership, Relationship Management, Marketing, and Business Intelligence Teams to identify prospective communities who may be a good fit to join the NOPEC family.
Every community is different and has its own unique needs; however, I think most Ohio residents will tell you that saving money on their utility bills is a good thing. I think even more residents will tell you that saving money and seeing their community benefit from things like NOPEC Energized Community (NEC) Grants is a great thing. When you consider what we’re able to do for communities, I think our overall value is unrivaled in the Ohio energy market and I intend to spread the good news about NOPEC throughout Ohio.
What do you enjoy doing in your free time?
Most of my free time is spent doing family activities at our home in Willoughby. We enjoy spending time on the water canoeing or enjoying a night next to the backyard firepit. I enjoy golfing and fishing, live music, and travelling with my family.
