CZZ BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Ron Cole built his career in Los Angeles, California 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. By 2025 the business, Cole's Aircraft, had shipped over 21,000 relic displays and related products around the globe, and the Cole's Aircraft studio and gallery in Zanesville, Ohio had grown into 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.

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.     

Jay Benson is a seasoned media professional with extensive experience in the industry, currently serving as the Media Agency Owner at Akua Agency LLC since June 2005. In addition, Jay has been involved with WHIZ Media Group since February 1990 in the role of GSM/WHIZ Interactive. Previous partnerships include a tenure at Wade's Clothing & Boutique from December 2010 to December 2017. Jay began a career in media at WWJM, working as GSM/RADIO and Account Executive from July 1985 to January 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. 

 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. 

Iain C. Martin is a freelance writer and historian with a MA in American history from Southern Connecticut State University. Originally from Owego, New York, he now resides in Connecticut with his wife and two children.