October 21 , 2021 The Beacon • 29

Darrell Lee grew up in the suburbs of Columbus in Whitehall . A graduate of Whitehall-Yearling High School , he ran cross country and track and played soccer and basketball .

Lee continued his education at Mount Vernon Nazarene University , where he played soccer and majored in sports medicine / sports management , earning a Bachelor of Arts with a concentration in finance . His goal was to open a fitness center for all people . He interned at Kenyon College in sports medicine , which was uncommon as a paid position . Lee said it was a great experience outside MVNU and an interesting year where he experienced a lot .

One of his memorable experiences was meeting people from other countries who traveled to Kenyon for summer camps . He would pick them up at the airport and had the opportunity to talk during trips to and from the college .

Darrell Lee

Submitted

After his internship Lee worked for the YMCA of Mount Vernon and the YMCA of Central Ohio as program director . During this time he facilitated the opening of four new YMCAs in two years . As program / fitness director , he was responsible for ordering equipment and setting the budget , which led him to discover he enjoyed finance . He also discovered it was hard to be program director and have a family .

His career in banking with Park National Bank came after working for a finance company . He has been with Park for 13 years , starting in everything from opening accounts to loans . As mortgage lender Lee is in a more specialized role with the bank , assisting clients to achieve their goal of home ownership . Much of the learning is from on-the-job training , as well as classes through the Ohio Bankers League .

Lee moved his family to Coshocton because of the people . His children are involved with sports and JO Volleyball at Kids America . Last December he purchased land , and their home was built in March 2021 with the family moving in July 2021 .

Lee said he chose Coshocton , stating his wife can work anywhere ( she works from home ). “ I can work at any branch . We moved because of the people ,” he said .

Lee is a member of Coshocton Rotary , serves on the board of the College Hills Retirement Community in Wayne County , is an American Heart Association CPR / first aid / healthcare provider instructor and is a member of the Coshocton Board of Realtors .

After participating in both Leadership Holmes County and Leadership Wooster , Lee saw the benefits of getting

to know an area in a short amount of time . He decided to participate in Leadership Coshocton to get a good , all-around view and understanding of the county . He also recognizes it as a networking opportunity , as he still is in contact with people he met in Leadership Holmes .

Lee sees the community in an upswing . An example he cited is Genesis investing in the community . He said people here are hardworking , honest and genuinely care about others and aren ’ t just looking

Lee is a member of Coshocton Rotary , serves on the board of the College Hills Retirement Community in Wayne County , is an American Heart Association CPR / first aid / healthcare provider instructor and is a member of the Coshocton Board of Realtors . for what ’ s in it for them but are willing to step up and fulfill a need . The people , he said , are very welcoming .

To make the county stronger , Lee would like more opportunities for jobs in varying fields . Industry is big in the county but has many job openings . He said the question to ask is what will bring people back here . He sees a need to make this a destination to come back and raise a family at and create an atmosphere of growth .

Lee said there is great value in having people born and raised here come back because they have the same mind-set . He said there is lots of value to knowing the county ’ s history , as it is an important part of the foundation .

Lee would recommend Leadership Coshocton for others . “ The opportunities for networking and getting to know the county are priceless . There is nothing else you could do in nine months to get that experience on your own . You wouldn ’ t have that opportunity or access to business and local leaders . The vast backgrounds and age ranges in class are a plus ,” he said .

Lee said he looks forward to dialogue on differing viewpoints and learning why .

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