Meet Frazee from the LCC class of 2025
Laura Frazee grew up in Fresno, where she attended Ridgewood Local Schools, playing volleyball and basketball. After graduating in 2014, she pursued elementary education at Marietta College, where she also played basketball. However, following a foot injury and a realization that teaching wasn’t her ideal path, she returned home. “I loved sciences in high school but listened more to others than myself when choosing a career,” Frazee said.
In search of clarity, she accepted a college roommate’s invitation to move to Florida, where she spent two years working as a waitress, living independently, and “finding herself.” Yet she missed the close-knit feel of small-town life and being near family, ultimately leading her back to Coshocton County.
Once home, Frazee began working as a veterinary assistant at A1 Vet Care, where she loved caring for the animals. However, she found the emotional weight of the role challenging, especially witnessing the grief of families parting with beloved pets. “It was emotionally exhausting,” she said, “and I found myself carrying that weight home.”
Frazee then decided to try a completely new path, joining McWane Ductile, first in the pipe shop as a casting machine operator. She then moved to the quality department, where her skills quickly led her to a lead inspector role. “I liked what I was doing and made it clear I wanted to move up in the company” she said. From there her dedication and interest in advancing led her to a position in the environmental department, where she became an environmental specialist and later, a supervisor. “I love it,” Frazee said, “I found a true passion in playing a role in helping to protect our environment and managing the essential work that often goes unseen. One of the main reasons I love my job is the people I work with. We’re a small department, a family-like team, and having colleagues I genuinely enjoy being around makes a huge difference. Coming from within the company gives me an advantage, as my experience with the processes has shaped how I approach my role and fuels my drive to keep learning everything I can.”
In her position of environmental supervisor, Frazee oversees the operators of the wastewater treatment plant that provides water used in the ductile iron making process. She manages the day-to-day operations of the wastewater treatment facility, which includes troubleshooting as well as supporting the operators in her department. She is responsible for inspections; monitoring and reporting on air and water quality and maintaining compliance with environmental regulations. But, as Frazee points out, “A lot of my job involves compliance and reporting to the EPA. I’ve learned so much along the way, and I want to keep expanding my knowledge. I’m very grateful for this position, as it has provided me with valuable opportunities for growth in an important field.”
Frazee actively supports her community by participating in United Way clean-up events, volunteering with Our Town Coshocton, and is considering joining Kiwanis.
Jim Barstow, Frazee’s uncle, recommended Leadership Coshocton to her and suggested she talk to Heather Rainwater, McWane employee and LCC alum. From there, other McWane employees and LCC alumni talked to Frazee, and they “all had good things to say about the program and all the new things they learned about the community.” Bri Celeschi and Jolinda Kistler offered to nominate her for the program. Frazee hopes to gain more leadership skills to help in her supervisory role as well as improve her communication and listening skills.
Prior to participating in Leadership, Frazee completed The McWane Way, leadership training offered at McWane Ductile. The “Compass Points” of The McWane Way are very helpful in her personal and professional life. Participating in this training forced Frazee to “step out of her shell” and she learned how to talk in front of others, which proved to be advantageous as she gives trainings to other McWane employees on environmental regulations and compliance.
Reflecting on her hometown, Frazee appreciates Coshocton’s sense of community, where people come together during difficult times. “I’m still friends with people from high school and enjoy seeing them start families,” she said, some of whom are now her coworkers.
When asked how to strengthen the county, Frazee highlighted the importance of engaging the youth. “We need to encourage the younger generation not only to come back after they’ve left but also to see reasons to stay and build their lives here,” she said. She emphasized that their technical skills are crucial for filling roles that are becoming automated. She also sees the value in recent infrastructure updates, like the river walk, to make the area more appealing to younger residents and encourage them to see Coshocton as a place to settle long-term.
Frazee would recommend Leadership Coshocton for others, stating, “It will give you a better sense of self and the community. You might think you know the area well, but there’s so much more to discover. The program provides practical tools for effective communication, problem-solving, and trust-building, which have helped me grow in my role. It’s also a great opportunity to network, meet new people, and build friendships. I’ve even connected with a fellow employee from another department within the company through the class whom I wouldn’t have gotten to know otherwise.”
Frazee enjoys working for McWane Ductile and appreciates the many opportunities the company offers, both in Ohio and across the country. She notes that McWane has a very supportive environment where people actively help each other, making it a great place to grow and succeed. She appreciates working for a company that is so supportive of and actively involved in the local community. Ultimately, her journey has led her to find her purpose, allowing her to contribute meaningfully to her community and the environment.
Category: Clubs & Organizations
