Learn more about 2024 Wagner Award Recipient

ZANESVILLE, OH--This year’s Wagner Community Leadership Award goes to a community member who’s been serving Zanesville for over 14 years.

Taylor Russell has been volunteering for Zanesville Jaycees for about eleven years. Throughout his time there, Russell has served as secretary, vice president and president.

Although he is ecstatic to have won the award, he said it’s really the team work that should be honored.

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

Russell has been on the board of directors for many organizations, including The Carr Center, the Muskingum County Safety Council and many more. He does all his volunteer work on top of  his full-time job as a factory safety manager at Nestle Purina. He said Zanesville is worth the time.

“Zanesville is a great place to be, and I always hate hearing people just want to get out of here,” Russell said. “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.”

The Muskingum County Community Foundation will present the award to Russell at the annual Groundhog Day celebration on January 26 at Zane State College.

For more information about the recipient or the Groundhog Day celebration, please visit the MCCF website.

This story was submitted by WHIZ News Intern Alison Patton.