ROSS GALLABRESE
I grew up in Wintersville - and am a native of Steubenville, having been born at the former Ohio Valley Hospital - and newspapering has been a passion of mine my entire life. Since joining the Herald-Star staff on Feb. 4, 1981, I have held many positions, ranging from sports writer to sports editor; and copy editor to news editor and city editor. I became executive editor of the Herald-Star and The Weirton Daily Times, my current post, in April 2001.
My first job actually was in newspapers - when I was 12, I took on a paper route along Fernwood Road and its side streets in Wintersville, a job I enjoyed until I was 15.
My first job actually was in newspapers - when I was 12, I took on a paper route along Fernwood Road and its side streets in Wintersville, a job I enjoyed until I was 15.
After graduating from Wintersville High School in 1976, I attended Ohio University, where I earned a degree in journalism in 1980.
Community service has been an important part of my life, and I have served as a board member and a volunteer with the United Way of Jefferson County, the Jefferson County Chamber of Commerce, the Jefferson County Advisory Board of the Community Foundation for the Ohio Valley, the American Red Cross Jefferson County Chapter, the Ohio Valley Music Guild, the board of advisers at Franciscan University of Steubenville and the Steubenville Umpires Association.
For 40 years, I officiated baseball and softball throughout the Tri-State Area, working games at all levels from Little League through college baseball, and earned numerous district and other post-season tournament assignments along the way.
My wife, MarySue, and I are the parents of two children, Matthew and Lucas.
When not at work (let's be honest, even while at work), I enjoy following the Pirates, Steelers and Penguins; attending auto shows; and following IndyCar and NASCAR.
Don Richardson, who at the time was the manager of the Steubenville Holiday Inn, approached me about joining the Rotary Club of Steubenville in the fall of 2001, and I have been a member since. It was my great privilege to have served as the club's president in 2005-2006 - experience that will come in handy as I prepare for a second term beginning in July