Aces of Trades: Betsy Gosnell helps others develop their passions, serve their community

COSHOCTON – She’s convinced she has the best job in the county.

“As a kid I didn’t think much about my future other than to go to college, find a husband, get married and start a family,” recalled Betsy Gosnell. “As my mother worked for the school district, I thought that seemed like a good idea. And once I began working as a swim instructor, having summers off sounded even more appealing.

“I didn’t really see myself as a leader,” she added. “However, as I look back, I seemed to be a trendsetter in some respects. I was always the one organizing people and stuff.”

Today, Gosnell is executive director of Leadership Coshocton County.

“I manage two leadership programs,” she explained. “One for adults and a second for high school juniors. Each month the programs meet to learn about an attribute of the county such as history, economic development, social service organizations, education, agriculture and community stewardship.

“In addition, I involve myself in community organizations or events,” she added. “Currently I serve on the RHDD and PCC Boards and am on the OSU Extension Advisory Committee. I’ve been a 4-H Special Projects judge and serve on the Coshocton County Youth Financial Support Committee. I also volunteer for the Real Money. Real World Spending Simulation sponsored by Extension, the Coshocton KOA Sunflower Festival, Roscoe Village’s Apple Butter Stirrin’ Festival, and I’m a proud member of the Kiwanis Club of Coshocton.”

Gosnell grew up in Berea, a suburb of Cleveland, graduated from Berea High School in 1984, and Cleveland State University with a degree in sociology in 1989 followed by a degree in elementary education in 1994. She then worked as an AmeriCorps VISTA volunteer, among other things.

“I began as executive director, Leadership Coshocton County, on March 15, 2015,” she said. “I knew managing a leadership program is what I wanted to do most of all. That was where my skillset lay, and I knew that was what I was destined to do.”

Rebecca Armstrong is a professional organizer and owner of An Organized Journey.

“As an alum of LCC,” said Armstrong, “I have experienced Betsy's determination in guiding someone to find those hidden talents and aspects of themselves and utilize them for service to others. Her sacrifice of time to immerse herself in Coshocton County is inspiring. She truly loves our community. Working with Betsy, and participating in Leadership Coshocton County under her direction, brought me new-found confidence and direction in every area of my life.”

“I have a passion for my role and for this community,” Gosnell responded. “I have a passion for leadership, developing an individual’s talent, and helping people learn about their communities.

“As I look back at the things I’ve done in my life,” she concluded, “above all else, working in leadership has been the ultimate. I love what I do. I love serving Coshocton County in this capacity. I love watching the people and this community rise to overcome challenges set before them. I can’t imagine doing anything else. I have the best job in the county.”

For more information about Leadership Coshocton County, log visit leadershipcoshoctoncounty.org .

Aces of Trades is a weekly series focusing on people and their jobs – whether they’re unusual jobs, fun jobs or people who take ordinary jobs and make them extraordinary. If you have a suggestion for a future profile, let us know at ctnews@coshoctontribune.com.

This article originally appeared on Coshocton Tribune: Aces of Trades: Betsy Gosnell helps others develop their passions, serve their community