Ronnie Ross might be found on any given day overseeing a construction project, coordinating HVAC repairs, or lending a hand with custodial operations. It all comes with the territory in his position as director of Facilities for Clermont County, Ohio, just outside of Cincinnati.
“I’ve been in the facilities-related field for over 20 years,” said Ross, who assumed his new role in late September 2025, having gotten his start in Virginia.
As a teen, he was full of uncertainty, trying to figure out what would come next after graduating from Williamsburg’s Jamestown High School. He carefully weighed the options and chose Virginia Peninsula Community College to chart his future.
Ross majored in English first, then switched to general studies, before finding his place in the Computer-Aided Drafting and Design (CADD) program.
“I chose that because I knew that I’d be able to build off that. I also enjoy drawing, and it allowed me to do that as well. In that time, that degree was very large,” he said.
Ross earned an associate degree in CADD technology and several certificates from VPCC while working at a design firm in Williamsburg to support himself. He credits a former professor, Dr. Roger Lemasters, for helping him land the job.
Lemasters, who dedicated nearly 40 years to the College, before retiring in the early 2000s, made a lasting impression. In a pleasant twist, the two discovered they share a connection to West Virginia.
“He actually grew up in the same town where my parents grew up in West Virginia. So it was kind of really cool to connect with him on a personal level,” said Ross. “He was a great mentor and coach. He was always telling me, ‘You need to invest in this. This is how you’re going to make your bread one day … You need to understand how it works. It’s going to take you far.’
“And those things have stuck with me. My parents definitely pushed those same values, and it really did help,” Ross added.
Going from indecision in his early days at VPCC to majoring in CADD solidified his career for the next two decades. His career has run the gamut from hands-on maintenance work to strategic leadership.
After college, Ross moved to Charlottesville, where he worked at the University of Virginia in off-campus housing. When his wife, who earned a doctoral degree at UVA, accepted a position at the University of Cincinnati, they relocated to Ohio. The couple has lived in Ohio for the past eight years. There, Ross joined the Cincinnati and Hamilton County Public Library system and steadily advanced from technician to supervisor and finally into facilities management.
Still, he made education a priority during that time, completing a bachelor’s degree in organizational leadership from the University of Cincinnati.
“I was at a place where I was trying to figure out, ‘How do I elevate myself?’ Sometimes you can be overlooked for certain things, just because you don’t have that degree. So, I decided to buckle down,” he recalled, pointing out his VPCC credits transferred to the university, saving him valuable time.
“We had three kids. Life was happening. I was coaching sports with the kids and working full time. But I remembered the time when I was at VPCC. I was working full time as a student and going to school full time. I knew that it was doable. I also knew it was necessary for me to elevate myself,” he added.
Continuing his education was the right move. As a director, Ross leads a team responsible for managing complex infrastructure, maintaining public buildings and other tasks. The job keeps him moving and thinking.
His faith is central to the way he leads, and it shapes how he serves. That applies on and off the job. As a coach for youth sports, he shares a philosophy with the players.
“I always tell players to serve and then allow themselves to be served. What I mean by that is, you have to be willing to let people help you. It allows them to have developmental growth, to teach others and lets them know they have to be teachable,” he said.
Despite limited spare time due to work and family responsibilities, he has a creative outlet.
“I have three children, so they consume a lot of that time. My oldest two both play basketball, and I coach my middle son,” he said, pointing out he spends free time enjoying woodworking in his garage.
“I’ve built coffee tables and tables. I’ve worked with exotic hardwoods and done epoxy casting pours inside of those hardwoods. I’ve made small things like casting epoxy coasters, charcuterie boards, cutting boards … stuff like that,” he said.
Looking forward to continued growth in his field, Ross said family has a huge role in his success. They include his wife, Ashley, and their two daughters and son as well as his parents and in-laws.
“They’ve all played a part,” he says. “Supporting me, praying for me, coaching me. I wouldn’t be here without them,” he said.
Recalling his experiences as a 19-year-old college student, Ross offers sound advice for today’s student. He encourages persistence.
“You may not know what you want to do, and that’s OK. But take opportunities for growth and development,” he stressed. “Challenges will come. Bumps in the road will make you stop, but you have to find ways to persevere and push through for the things that you want to accomplish. If you stay grounded, stay open to growth and keep moving forward, you’ll find your place.”
That place for Ross began in a classroom at VPCC. Exposure to good mentors and his willingness to work hard helped lay the groundwork for a fruitful career.