CZZ BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Ron Cole built his career in the fields of industrial design, product development engineering, and model making for Hollywood films. In 2009 he combined his professional experience with his life-long passion for aviation and history by creating a new product: the historical aviation relic display that combined his original artwork with pieces of the aircraft he depicted. In an effort to preserve the Cole's Aircraft artifact collection and benefit Zanesville's tourism industry, Ron has created the non-profit Cole Center Zanesville (CZZ) based in the historic downtown Montgomery Ward building.  

Erin Cole enjoyed 28 years as a radio account executive at the WHIZ Media Group helping local businesses market and grow their brands. Before joining WHIZ in 1995, she served as a field executive for the Boy Scouts of America. Erin joined her husband at Cole's Aircraft in 2017 part-time, but as the company grew, she joined full-time in 2023. Erin is a graduate of Capital University in Columbus, Ohio, majoring in public relations and communications. Erin has served on many local boards including the United Way, The Carr Center, the Southeastern Ohio Symphony Orchestra and more. She's also involved in the local art scene.

 Heather is a founding partner of SEO CPA Group, Ltd who brings over 18 years of experience in public accounting specializing in auditing and consulting for non-profit organizations, 401(k) and 403(b) plans, and small business industries as well as third party administrator services.  Heather is very active in our community, including Rotary, Leadership Muskingum, and her local church. Heather is an Award of Excellence Recipient. 

Mollie Willison Higgins Crooks served as Muskingum County Commissioner from 2017 to 2025, and served as Executive Director of Big Brothers, Big Sisters from 2000 to 2017. She and her husband, Rodney Crooks, owned and operated Trikes by Rodney LLC.  She holds a bachelor's degree in business administration from Ohio University Zanesville. Mollie has devoted her life to living, working, and serving Muskingum County. She brings passion, creativity, and enthusiasm to each professional and volunteer role in which she serves.   

Jay Benson is a seasoned media professional with extensive experience in the industry, currently serving as the General Manager of the WHIZ/Marquee Broadcasting Group. Jay has been involved with the WHIZ Media Group since February 1990. Educationally, Jay holds a Bachelor of Arts in Communications with a focus on Broadcast from Cedarville College and has further qualifications in Communication Arts and related fields from Cedarville University, along with foundational education at Muskingum Area Technical College and West Muskingum High School. 

Bill served as a police officer in the Zanesville police force for 30 years.  Now retired, he works for the Muskingum County Engineers Office, Dutro Ford, and an environmental remediation company that monitors and treats groundwater at hazmat sites, Allegheny Environmental.  Bill is an aviation enthusiast, and was a private pilot, participating in the EAA Young Eagles Program, and has given 149 children their first experience flying in small aircraft. Bill has been an advocate for the local Honor Flight program. 

Iain C. Martin is a freelance writer and historian with a Master of Arts degree in American history from Southern Connecticut State University. Originally from Owego, New York, he now resides in Connecticut with his wife and two children. Iain is the author of many historical books, including "Greatest U.S. Marine Corps Stories Ever Told: Unforgettable Stories of Courage, Honor, and Sacrifice; In Harm's Way: JFK, World War II, and the Heroic Rescue of PT 19; Gettysburg: The True Account of Two Young Heroes in the Greatest Battle of the Civil War" and many more.

Ronald J. Cole is a 2023 graduate of Xavier University in Cincinnati, Ohio, with a Bachelor of Science degree in both mathematics and computer science. Ronnie is employed by the Boeing Company in St. Louis, Missouri, and works on the F18 Super Hornet Fighter simulator. He is an artist whose interest is in realism and sci- fi art. Ronnie also plays the violin.