Build Bridges to READINESS

About Enterprise Muskingum

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Our Story

Enterprise Muskingum was established by Zanesville native James McDonald, who has dedicated over 50 years to providing mental health services to the community. In 2013, he took on the CEO role at Allwell Behavioral Health Services. By 2023, he had innovated a new approach to community service. Understanding the connection between social determinants of health and the gaps in education and employment, James convened community leaders to create a strategy to utilize the community's voice. This collaboration with various agencies and organizations aimed to identify evidence-based solutions and mobilize community strengths to implement lasting changes, ultimately transforming the economic mobility of all young people in Muskingum County.

History of Enterprise Muskingum

Our Mission

Enterprise Muskingum strives to transform the systems that create inequities for people of color and families living in poverty by pushing for strategic and sustainable improvement in education, employment, and health outcomes in three ways:
1. Being a convener of existing community partners and assets ensures we work collaboratively to maximize resources and meet the needs of all.
2. Being an innovator in using collective impact to make systems-level changes in Muskingum County.
3. Being a catalyst in identifying strategies to improve results, implementing those strategies, and evaluating data to see if they are working.

Mission of Enterprise Muskingum

Our Vision

The goal is to build bridges to READINESS. We envision a future where every child in Muskingum County regardless of race or socioeconomic status is Ready to start school. Ready to go to College, and Ready to enter the Workforce.

Vision of Enterprise Muskingum

Executive Director
Enterprise Muskingum

Marketta-Thomas-Enterprise-Muskingum-Zanes-State-College
Marketta Thomas
Innovator in Learning and Workforce Solutions. Community Connector.

Marketta is the Executive Director of Enterprise Muskingum, a passionate advocate committed to unlocking the full potential of every child in the community. With a deep-rooted belief in the power of partnership, Marketta is dedicated to breaking down barriers in health, education, and employment.

Bringing over two decades of strategic leadership from the energy sector, Marketta has a proven track record in driving organizational success through learning and development, project management, and fostering high-performance teams. As the former Director of Learning and Employee Development at American Electric Power (AEP), she spearheaded the creation and implementation of innovative learning solutions for thousands of employees.

Beyond the corporate world, Marketta is a dedicated community builder. As a co-founder of Justice Vault, an innovative grant-making fund, Marketta has leveraged her expertise to support grassroots initiatives combating racial injustice. She is a graduate of the African American Leadership Academy and serves as a director on the boards for IMPACT Community Action, Dress for Success Columbus, and the Lincoln Theatre Columbus.

Armed with a Bachelor of Business Administration from Mount Vernon Nazarene University and a certificate in the Art and Practice of Leadership Development from Harvard Kennedy School, Marketta is equipped to inspire change and drive positive impact in Muskingum County.

Our Values

What we believe about our community

  • We believe everyone deserves to thrive regardless of race or socioeconomic status.
  • We believe the people in this community know what they need; we will commit to honoring their voices and allowing them to guide our work.
  • We will honor and acknowledge our partners' efforts and pride of ownership and seek to support them in improving every day.
  • We believe in this community’s commitment to a bright future for Muskingum County. Its hard-working values, strength, and sense of pride will fuel our mission.

How we will show up in service

  • We will center our work around the needs of children and families.
  • We will amplify the perspectives of the BIPOC community.
  • We will employ a “with” model rather than a “for” model. We will not tell stories about the community; we will build trust by collaborating with it.

How we will work together

  • We will know our individual and collective “why” and remind each other relentlessly.
  • We will own our roles. What we agree to do, we will do with excellence.
  • We will be brave.
  • We will commit to building support for EM.
  • We will use respectful candor in providing feedback, disagreeing, and saying “no” (even to good ideas).
  • We will be prepared.
  • We will be solutions-oriented.
  • We will demonstrate mutual care for one another.
  • We will have fun.

 How we will win

By leveraging our EM Strategy and maintaining a laser focus on our vision and mission.

Board of Directors

Enterprise Muskingum Board Member James McDonald - Founder.

James McDonald

Founder

Enterprise Muskingum Board Member Susan Holdren - Board Member.

Susan Holdren

Board Member

Enterprise Muskingum Board Member Laura Tompkins - Board Member.

Laura Tompkins

Board Member

Enterprise Muskingum Board Member Darryl Graves - Board Member.

Darryl Graves

Board Member

Enterprise Muskingum Board Member Brian Wagner - Board Member.

Brian Wagner

Board Member

Enterprise Muskingum Board Member Kathy Brantley - Board Member.

Kathy Brantley

Board Member

Enterprise Muskingum Board Member Dr. Chad Brown - Board Member.

Dr. Chad Brown

Board Member

What does Enterprise Muskingum mean to our community?

Enterprise Muskingum Review From James McDonald, Founder

James McDonald

Founder

What does Enterprise Muskingum mean to our community?

As an employer, I am always looking to hire people who are happy, healthy, competent, and highly motivated. Unfortunately, that pool is shrinking. Enterprise Muskingum gives us the opportunity to reverse that trend with a cradle to career, community integrated approach toward the development of all of our youth. By coordinating the practices of childcare workers, educators, healthcare providers, employers, and civic leaders, we are hardwiring a “no excuses, no barriers, data driven workforce development infrastructure” into Muskingum County. Enterprise means a project or undertaking that is difficult and requires effort. Through EM OUR KIDS WILL BE READY!

Enterprise Muskingum Review From Kathy Brantley

Kathy Brantley

Enterprise Muskingum is a beacon of hope and opportunity in our community, dedicated to uplifting students at every stage of their educational journey. By supporting those in need and empowering those striving for greater success, we are paving the way for equitable cradle-to-career outcomes. We strive to cultivate informed, engaged citizens who are committed to the values of learning and achievement, ensuring a brighter future for all.

Enterprise Muskingum Review From Michelle Shroyer, Community Health Planner ZMCHD

Michelle Shroyer

Community Health Planner ZMCHD

It is a great opportunity to have a collaborative like Enterprise Muskingum, that addresses inequities in our county. This project will have a positive impact for future generations to come. The Zanesville-Muskingum County Health Department is honored to partner and support this mission.

Enterprise Muskingum Review From Amy Luby, Resource Development Officer MCCF

Amy Luby

Resource Development Officer MCCF

Enterprise Muskingum is more than a program, it is systemic change to advance equity.

When we come together as a community, we can create meaningful change. Enterprise Muskingum is the glue bringing us together!

Enterprise Muskingum Review From Antoinette Carroll

Antoinette Carroll

All systems are designed; thus, they can be redesigned.

Our Partners and Investors

Cora E. Rogge Memorial Foundation Park National Bank Zane State College J.W. and M.H. Straker Charitable Foundation The Muskingum County Community Foundation Strive Together