Taylor Russell honored with Wagner Community Leadership Award for exemplary service to Zanesville

In recognition of his outstanding dedication and unwavering commitment to the betterment of the Zanesville community, Taylor Russell has been selected as this year's recipient of the prestigious Wagner Community Leadership Award. Russell's unwavering commitment to the city he calls home spans over 14 years, and this recognition is a fitting tribute to his exceptional contributions.

Russell is a 2008 graduate of Ohio University Zanesville. Dr. Hannah Nissen, the dean of Campus and Community Relations shared, “Taylor has served the Zanesville community in numerous ways over the years; his leadership is inspiring. He believes in this community and what it has to offer. Taylor’s efforts have been instrumental in broadening and elevating the opportunities Zanesville provides this region.”

For more than a decade, Russell has been an integral part of the Zanesville Jaycees, volunteering his time and expertise to various initiatives aimed at enhancing the quality of life for residents. Serving in key leadership roles such as secretary, vice president, and president, Russell has demonstrated exceptional leadership and a deep-seated passion for community engagement.

Despite his individual accolades, Russell remains humble, attributing his success to the collective efforts of the teams he's been privileged to work with.

"I wouldn’t say that it’s just what I’ve done," Russell remarked. "It’s the organizations that I’ve been lucky enough to be a part of that have really touched Zanesville in a great place."

Beyond his involvement with the Zanesville Jaycees, Russell has significantly impacted various boards of directors, including The Carr Center and the Muskingum County Safety Council, among others. Remarkably, he manages to juggle his extensive volunteer commitments with a full-time role as a factory safety manager at Nestle Purina. Russell exemplifies the spirit of selflessness and civic responsibility.

For Russell, Zanesville is not just a location; it's a community worth investing time and effort into.

"Zanesville is a great place to be, and I always hate hearing people just want to get out of here. It’s getting kids interested in things around here, to want them to stay, is one reason why I think it’s a great place to work, play and stay," he expressed passionately.

The Muskingum County Community Foundation presented the Brian T. Wagner Community Leadership Award to Russell at the annual Groundhog Day celebration on Jan. 26.