Meet Ryan Cottrell from the LCC class of 2025
Ryan Cottrell is a Coshocton County native who was born and raised in West Lafayette. A 2001 graduate of Ridgewood High School, Cottrell was an avid outdoorsman, hunting and fishing every opportunity that was afforded him.
Following graduation, Cottrell worked a variety of factory jobs – McWane Ductile; Kraft; and Nestle Purina in Zanesville. As he states, “The path to where I am now has been shaped by both personal determination and the support of my family, particularly my grandfather, Donald Cottrell Sr. Several years ago, I found myself feeling unfulfilled and tired from working the third shift in a factory. It was my grandfather, who held a Class 1 Water License and had retired from Conesville AEP as a boiler operator, who encouraged me to pursue a different path. Taking his advice to heart, I decided to go back to school and obtain my certification in water and wastewater treatment. In March of 2018, I began my career with the Village of West Lafayette. Since then, I have achieved a Class 2 Operator Certification for wastewater treatment.”
As the Operator of Record, his role involves overseeing the day-to-day operations of the plant. This includes adhering to strict EPA regulations to ensure that the water discharged from the treatment plant is safe for the environment. His responsibilities also involve preventing sewer backups in residents’ homes and assisting other departments as needed, whether it’s leaf pickup, snow removal, or cleaning up storm damage.
“Recently, I was honored to be recognized by the Ohio Rural Water Association (ORWA) as the Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator of the Year, and I will be receiving an award on Oct. 8 at the Wilmington Fall Expo.,” Cottrell said. “This event is the largest of its kind in the state, where operators come together to exchange ideas and attend training sessions to renew their licenses.”
When he isn’t serving the West Lafayette community, Cottrell can be found supporting one of his seven children from a blended relationship with his fiancé Annie Hazlett. Ranging in age from 4-15 years old, Cottrell is an “involved dad,” watching dance practice and band competitions; cheering on football; volleyball; wrestling; basketball and baseball teams. In addition to this busy schedule, Cottrell plans to run for Lafayette Township Trustee this fall.
Cottrell is “honored to have been selected to participate in the Leadership Coshocton County Class of 2025. Being selected for Leadership Coshocton County is a significant milestone for me. I look forward to growing and expanding my leadership skills, not just in my workplace but also in my community and at home. I am eager to learn from my peers and contribute to the collective growth and betterment of Coshocton County. I am excited about the journey ahead and the chance to make a meaningful impact through Leadership Coshocton County.”
Cottrell views the West Lafayette community as “growing,” stating, “Everybody wants to move here because they want their kids in Ridgewood.” He pointed out that “homes get purchased” quickly, and that “we have new leadership bringing in new businesses; entrepreneurship is thriving. West Lafayette is a quiet community. Everybody knows everybody.”
Cottrell suggests a “thriving business” community would make the county stronger, adding, “it would attract more visitors and people to the county.”
Cottrell would recommend Leadership Coshocton for others, stating it is “for people that are needing to strengthen their leadership skills because they don’t teach this in the schools.”
Category: Clubs & Organizations
