ABOUT OUR AGENCY
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Brief History of the Guernsey County Community Development Corporation
The Guernsey County Community Development Corporation, commonly referred to as the CDC, was founded in 1996 as the Byesville Board of Trade, with the purpose of promoting economic development within the Village of Byesville. In 2002 that organization transitioned to the Guernsey County CDC to better assist local communities around the county with economic and recreational development.
Over the course of the past 14 years the CDC has demonstrated a proven and successful track record of applying for, winning and managing over $10 million in grants that provide a variety of services and opportunities to the 40,000 residents of Guernsey County. Some of these grants include:
- Clean Ohio Fund for the preservation of green space: $8,295,000.00 (combined)
- Recreational Trails Fund: $2.3 million (combined)
- National Emergency Grant (NEG): $250,000
- Workforce Investment Act (WIA): $350,000
- Two Finance Fund Grants: $60,000.00
- AEP LEAP Grant: $10,000
- Five ODNR NatureWorks Grants: $117,259 (Wrote Grants for: Lore City, Senecaville, Quaker City, Millwood Township and Jackson Township)
- Four EPA County Wide Tire & Litter Cleanup Grants (2014, 2015, 2017, 2018, & 2021): $149,000.00
- Ohio EPA Litter Control Grant (2019): $5,180.00
- ODNR Archery Range Grant: $16,699.00
- Five ODNR Division of Wildlife Aquatic Education Grants:$17,542.00
- USDA Community Facilities Grant: $50,000.00
- National Emergency Grant (NEG 2019): $475,000.00
- Comprehensive Case Management and Employment Program – Youth Workforce Development Services (CCMEP 2020): $200,000.00
- Department of Jobs and Family Services Summer Youth Employment Development 2017: $30,000.00
- Department of Jobs and Family Services Summer Youth Employment Development 2021: $100,000.00
- Comprehensive Case Management and Employment Program – Youth Workforce Development Services (CCMEP 2021): $200,000.00
- American Electric Power (AEP) for Installation of Car Charger: $20,000.00
- Comprehensive Case Management and Employment Program – Youth Workforce Development Services (CCMEP 2022): $200,000.00
- Appalachia Regional Commission – INSPIRE Grant 2022: $325,645.00
- Comprehensive Case Management and Employment Program – Youth Workforce Development Services (CCMEP 2023): $200,000.00
In addition to the awarded grants, the CDC operates a number of programs and has completed a variety of projects. These include the 7 mile paved Great Guernsey Trail, the Miner Park Ballfield Complex, as well as 5 play pods for area parks. The CDC also conducts a free countywide fish camp and has done so for the last five years. The camp takes place at Jackson Park, located outside of Byesville, Ohio and is designed to educate kids on proper fishing techniques, casting and knot tying. Each kid receives a free fishing pole, tackle box and tackle. Other programs include our Disabled Veterans Transportation program that provides local veterans with free transportation to and from medical appointments, the summer youth work development program, the township government support program and support for local food pantries. See more information in the Programs, Parks & Properties tab.
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OUR COMMUNITY FOCUSED TEAM
RON GOMBEDA
Executive Director
Ron Gombeda is the Executive Director of the Guernsey County Community Development Corporation where he oversees grant writing, fundraising, employee development, operations, community outreach and marketing. He has over 15 years of leadership experience in corporate and non-profit organizations as well as a Bachelor of Science in Education and a Master Degree in Business Administration. His area of expertise includes leadership, marketing, economic development, finance, budgeting, grant writing, human resources, land and wildlife management. He is a member of the Board of Directors for the Guernsey County Visitors and Convention Bureau (VCB), the President of the Board of Directors for The Cambridge-Guernsey County Community Improvement Corporation (CIC), a member of the Board of Directors Dickens Victorian Village, a member of the Board of Directors for South East Area Transit (SEAT), a member of the Guernsey County Planning Commission, and he is a member of the Board of Directors for Center for Business Innovation. Lastly he is a past member of the General Benjamin D. Fearing Camp #2, Sons of the Union Veterans of the Civil War. In his spare time Ron enjoys spending time with his wife Angela, and children, Ayla and Jaron and step children Addison and Owen. He also enjoys history, reading, hunting, fishing, camping and volunteering for various community organizations.
PAUL DICKSON
Project Director
Paul is our project director and in that position he manages the day-to-day operations for all projects. He is experienced in mechanical, carpentry, welding and equipment operations. In his spare time Paul enjoys spending time with his son Paul Jr, reading and enjoying other leisure activities.
MELISSA WEST
DIRECTOR OF WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT
melissa is our Director of Workforce Development where she oversees the CDC's two main paid work training programs; The CCMEP and INSPIRE.She provides direct, on the job trainings and coachings, connects employees with long-term permanent employment and managers certain projects.
JOSH ELTRINGHAM
Project Director
Josh is one of our project directors and under his supervision he completes a large number of projects. These include rehabilitation of houses, log jam removals, and more. He is also our heavy equipment operator and head carpenter and is experienced in vehicle repairs, welding, and more. In his spare time Josh enjoys the outdoors and spending time with his son.
Harold parsons
Driver
Harold is one of our transportation drivers and in that capacity he drives local veterans to doctor appointments. When he is not driving Harold works in our maintenance shop where he maintains vehicles and he also helps to maintain the Great Guernsey Trail. Harold is retired from Detroit Diesel and is a veteran. When he is not working, he enjoys spending time with his wife, children and grandchildren
Michelle Witt
Road Supervisor
Michelle is one of our drivers and road supervisor. In that capacity she transports people to and from medical appointments, work and recreational trips while also managing our fleet of vehicles. She is hardworking and extremely dedicated to her job.
Kim Gombeda
Driver
Kim is one of our many drivers. She has a medical background and was an EMT for many years. Since joining our team, Kim has become one of our most reliable drivers and employees. When he isn’t working she enjoys spending time with her children (one of whom is our Executive Director), her grandchildren, pets and reading.
Lexi trott
Driver
Lexi is one of our drivers and in her position she drives local individuals to and from medical appointments, general life appointments and work. She is a hard working and dedicated employee and is a valuable member of our organization. In her spare time she enjoys spending time with her children and spouse.
Carri Watson
Mowing Supervisor
Carri is our mowing supervisor and she is responsible for the landscape and maintenance of The Great Guernsey Trail, our rental properties and mow. .
Kevin sutton
Driver
Kevin is one of our drivers and has been with us since October 2021. When he is not working for the CDC, he is also a the sports writer for our local newspaper. Kevin is passionate about all things Cleveland sports, which as led to him being called “Mr. Cleveland” by his co-workers.
Jerome Trescott
Driver
Jerome is one of our newest drivers, he transports people to and from work and medical appointments. He is passionate about helping the community and giving back. In his free time he is an workout enthusiasts and you can find him most days in the gym.
Owen Gregg
Office Manager
Owen is our office manager, where he oversees day-to-day operations. Owen handles all basic functions of an office. He answers calls, takes messages, processes payments, schedules rental repairs, and more. Owen is a 2024 graduate of Otterbein University where he obtained a Bachelor in the Arts of Chemistry.
Michael Postlethwait
Supervisor
Michael has been with the CDC since 2016 and is one of our supervisors. He is proficient at operating heavy equipment, skid-steers, zero-turns and more. Additionally, he has experience in carpentry, rental repairs and small mechanical repairs. In his spare time he enjoys being with his wife and young son.
Marina Scott
Driver
Marina is one of our newest drivers. In her capacity as a driver, she ensures veterans and residents get to and from their places of employment, medical appointments, and other needs. When she is not working, she loves to spend time with her two children, and scrolling through social media.
Tiffany Messer
Administrative Assitant
Tiffany is our administrative assistant and is responsible for most of the day-to-day operations in our office. She handles the SEAT program, financial reports, marketing for our programs, ordering inventory, filing and more. When she is not at work she enjoys cup making, designing shirts, fishing, kayaking, and taking care of her chickens.
Jenise Malinak
Supervisor
Jenise is one of our supervisors and the source of positive morale at the maintenance shop. Jenise has become a vital part of our organization by supervising multiple crews completing tasks such as mowing, painting, litter removal and the curbside recycling program. In her spare time she enjoys riding bikes with her children, reading books, and spending time with her family.