Justin Ross

About Justin Ross

I love seeing concepts become reality. Whether it\'s designing large-scale events, pioneering community engagement strategies, or shaping brands that leave lasting impressions, I thrive at the intersection of purpose, people, and performance.Over the past decade, I’ve led with grit and determination across diverse industries transforming ideas into experiences and logistics into legacy. From growing a global youth lifestyle brand at Spartan Race to crafting engagement frameworks for a $925M Department of Energy project, I’ve built ecosystems where operational excellence meets human connection.My work has always been driven by a need to set the bar higher: when you work with purpose for something you believe in, you create experiences they never forget. I bring that mentality everywhere I go as a strategist, a collaborator, a hands-on leader, and a community builder. I’m at my best when rolling up my sleeves and solving complex challenges alongside teams who dream big and execute bigger.I believe the smallest operational detail matters as much as the boldest vision. I believe in creating space for voices to be heard, in building systems that scale with soul, and in crafting programs and events that don’t just function, they inspire. I\'ve committed to late night grind sessions, and sleepless nights to ensure a successful event or product launch. Outside the workspace, I’m a father of 3, an avid gym goer, a lifelong learner, a problem-solver by nature, and a hands-on creator who believes success is earned through consistency, curiosity, and compassion.If you’re seeking a grounded, get-it-done leader who combines strategic foresight with boots-on-the-ground experience and knows how to bring people together to build something unforgettable then we should talk.

Experience

1. Executive Director

   Buckeye Imagination Museum

   Nov 2025 — Present · Mansfield, OH, US

   Direct all operations, fundraising, and programming for a 501(c)(3) with a focus on accessible, imagination-driven and STEM related learning. Maintain and build on existing exhibit design, educational outreach, and daily experiences that spark lifelong imagination in children and families across Richland County and North Central Ohio. Oversee and work alongside a high-performing team of staff, volunteers, and board members pushing the belief that “improbable is just probable that hasn’t happened yet,” while driving innovation in a traditionally resource-constrained nonprofit environment. Serve as the public face, forging partnerships with schools, corporations, and civic leaders to keep imaginative play affordable and available to every child who walks through our doors.

Education

• ISSA

  Certificate, Fitness Trainer/Fitness Nutrition

  2011 — 2012

• Hocking College

  Certificate, Fire Science/Fire-fighting

  1998 — 2000

• ACWHCC

  Certificate, Construction Management

• Community College of the Air Force

  Certificate, Meteorology

  2000 — 2002

Skills

• Contract Negotiation
• Concrete
• Strength
• Fitness
• Process Scheduler
• Strategic Planning
• Construction
• Tiles
• Customer Service
• Strength Training
• Outdoor Recreation
• Athletics
• Scissor Lift
• Weight Training
• Blueprint Reading
• Negotiation
• Aed
• Microsoft Office
• Sales
• Health Promotion
• Nutrition
• First Aid
• Time Management
• Event Planning
• Renovation
• Team Building
• Photoshop
• Sketchup
• Fitness Training
• Sports
• Powerpoint
• Functional Training
• Inventory Management
• Group Training
• Windows
• Framing
• Microsoft Word
• Budgets
• Public Speaking
• Personal Training