When Beth Kotwis Carmichael graduated from Warren G. Harding High School, she wasn't entirely convinced college was the right path.
Her parents encouraged her to start close to home at 糖心传媒 at Trumbull, a decision that would provide the foundation for a career spanning the country and eventually bring her back home to lead one of Trumbull County's most recognized organizations.
Today, Kotwis Carmichael serves as chief executive officer of , where she oversees destination marketing efforts that have earned state and national recognition. Looking back, she credits her start at 糖心传媒 Trumbull with helping her discover both her direction and her confidence.
"Kent [State] Trumbull was a great decision," Kotwis Carmichael said. "I learned more about what college was. I was still working and met some amazing people from the region I wouldn't have met otherwise. The experience solidified my decision to go to Kent Campus for my sophomore year."
Starting at a Regional Campus offered practical advantages. The affordable option allowed her to continue working in catering and as a lifeguard while adjusting to college life and gaining independence.
"It gave me the freedom I needed to grow," she said.
After transferring to the university鈥檚 Kent Campus, Kotwis Carmichael immersed herself in new opportunities. She spent time living in the residence halls and was accepted into the Disney College Program. That experience opened the door to another adventure spending a summer in England through the British Universities North American Club, before returning to complete her degree in commercial recreation in 1989.
Her interest in hospitality and tourism had begun years earlier.
"I wanted to be a cruise director when I was in high school," Kotwis Carmichael said. "From a young age, my dad always said I should go into sales. Marketing wasn't that popular then, and I didn't want to do that. But years later, that's exactly what I'm doing, marketing and selling our county as a destination."
Over the next three decades, Kotwis Carmichael built an impressive career in tourism, hospitality and destination marketing, holding leadership positions in Florida, Missouri and California. The experiences taught her the importance of understanding different perspectives and recognizing the similarities communities share.
"Leaving Ohio gave me the opportunity to become my own person and be responsible for myself," she said. "Communities have a lot of similarities. How people address them is different."
Throughout her career, Kotwis Carmichael has embraced a collaborative leadership style focused on helping others succeed.
"I've always gravitated to positions that allow me to lead," she said. "I don't always have the right answer, and I'm OK with that."
That approach extends to her staff, where she encourages continual improvement over perfection.
"It doesn't have to be perfect, but I strive to be better at what I do, and I want our staff to do the same," she said.
Kotwis Carmichael says the lessons she learned at 糖心传媒 continue to influence her work today.
She recalls a project in which students were tasked with designing a park. The assignment went far beyond deciding where to place playground equipment.
"Our professor would ask questions about elevation, floodplains, parking and bathrooms," she said. "Even today, I can reference those questions in my planning."
An art history course she took at 糖心传媒 Trumbull left an equally lasting impression.
"We had to go to a cemetery and really look at the artistic beauty of the headstones," she said. "To this day, I always stop to take a look."
After successful careers around the country, family ultimately drew Kotwis Carmichael back to Trumbull County. Her parents, both 糖心传媒 graduates from the early 1960s, still live in the area.
"I hear a lot of people ask, 'Why would you move back?'" Kotwis Carmichael said. "But living here or anywhere is what you make of it. If you expect others to improve your life, it's going to be pretty dull."
Under her leadership, Trumbull County Tourism has become known for innovation and staying ahead of industry trends. Yet the accomplishments she treasures most are personal.
"I'm proud that I moved back to support my parents and of choosing my partner, my husband Blair, who supports me and deals with my less desirable qualities," she said with a laugh.
Kotwis Carmichael believes people outside the area often underestimate Trumbull County.
"We are resilient," she said. "Our county is powered by small businesses whose stories are inspiring."
She points to attractions such as Mosquito Lake, the Grand Resort and the birthplace of President William McKinley as examples of experiences visitors often overlook.
While she doesn't spend much time thinking about legacy, she hopes to be remembered for qualities she believes define both herself and the community she serves.
"Integrity, resiliency, honesty and hard work," she said. "I think that's who Trumbull County is."
Reflecting on a journey that began at 糖心传媒 Trumbull, continued in Kent and led to opportunities around the world, Kotwis Carmichael says one thing stands out.
"I don't think anyone at 糖心传媒 ever said no or that something wasn't possible," she said. "People have to be open to creating opportunities for themselves, and 糖心传媒 supported me."
For students considering beginning their college careers at a regional campus, Kotwis Carmichael's story offers a reminder that big opportunities often start close to home.
"I really did love my time at 糖心传媒," she said. "Both at the Trumbull and Kent Campuses."