 |
 |
 |
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
 |
 |
|
 |
04.01.2009 - Starlin The Daily Record Newsmaker
The Daily Record highlighted the Holmes County Economic Development Council's Executive Director, Shawn Starlin as the area Newsmaker for the month of April.
Of the opportunity Starlin said, "I was very honored to be recognized as someone in the local spotlight. The article is an accurate portrayal of who I am today."
---
March 30, 2009
Written By KATY GANZ, Staff Writer
Photo By, Mike Schenk
MILLERSBURG -- He went from living four hours away from family to living in the same house, doorways apart from his grandmother.
The executive director of the Holmes County Economic Development Council, Shawn Starlin, has moved from Kentucky to Wooster and has grown from a college track star to a first-time father.
"Shawn was always the older more wiser brother and I always learned everything from him as far as what not to do, and what to do," said his brother, Justin Starlin.
Justin Starlin is four years younger than his brother and works as the economic development administrator for Wooster. Because he and Shawn serve in similar positions for different governments, "shop-talk" is avoided at family gatherings.
Although, Justin does brag a little bit about his older brother's abilities.
"Shawn is probably one of the, if not the, most talented writers I have ever, ever known personally and professionally and we have some unbelievable professional writers at the city," he said.
Shawn Starlin attended Ohio Wesleyan University where he met his wife, Natalie Moon, at a fraternity party. He was wearing his famous purple pants. The pair later lived in the Columbus area for five years.
It was his writing abilities that landed him his first job with Community Action of Wayne/Medina.
After Community Action he moved to Lexington, Ky., to work with a friend on a new business venture, PMD Furniture. The days were long, and the work was extensive. Exhausted and missing his family, Starlin decided to move back to Ohio.
In his past, he also worked in strategic planning for the Make-A-Wish Foundation.
"It was one of those positions that really made you feel good about what you were doing," he said.
Starlin once had to help entertain a dog destined for a boy with a terminal illness. The boy had asked for a bernese mountain dog. The foundation couldn't find a puppy adequately trained to handle the boy's special needs, so he ended up with a standard poodle.
"I didn't think I was a poodle kind of guy," Starlin said. "But this was the cutest puppy ever."
He has been working for Holmes County since 2007, while trying to sell his house in Delaware. His wife was expecting at the time they lived in the Columbus area. She moved to Wooster in June. His son, Crosby, was born in October.
"He bears a striking resemblance to his father," Starlin said proudly.
Today Starlin is quick to answer the phone, waiting for the final closing words on the current offer for his house. The deal is in the making. In the meantime, he lives with his grandmother. He went from a 1,800-square-foot house, to a guest room.
"I'm 30-plus years old and living in a room, but the accommodations I won't complain about," he said.
Plus, his grandmother serves as a wonderful babysitter. She can be heard singing to Crosby, including one of her favorite songs, "Old Man River."
"I've really become like a family man, and I for one am enjoying this time of my life," he said. "Every type of advice I've gotten, it's true. They grow up way too fast. He's 5 months old already."
In addition to being a proud parent, Starlin is a former college athlete.
"Shawn was a track star in high school and college and still has some records nationally in division three college," Justin Starlin said.
Starlin ran track and cross country. His best time was at his last meet, where he ran the half-mile in 1.57 minutes.
According to his brother, Starlin's talents are sometimes hidden under his humble manners.
"He is a little shy, a little soft spoken at first," Justin Starlin said, "but once you get to know Shawn he will let down his guard and he will let you get to know him in five minutes."
For more local news visit.. www.the-daily-record.com
<< back