COSHOCTON – Sometimes the pursuit leads back home.
“As a child I dreamed of traveling to places I only read about or saw on TV,” recalled Bart Winegar. “Our family was of very modest means, so travel was not an option. However, my career path hurt me with the opportunity to travel to most of the states, parts of Europe, Canada and Mexico and to spend a year living in Texas.
“Travel taught me to appreciate different cultures,” he added, “and that the world is small in terms of the commonality of people. We essentially want the same things regardless of nationality, religion and culture. That is to be safe from harm, food to eat, shelter from the elements, meaningful work, and to be loved.”
Today, Winegar is back home – as the director of technology at the Coshocton County Career Center.
“My interest in serving in academia didn’t come until seven years ago,” he said. “After spending 30 years working in the field of information technology and extensive travel, I decided it was time to stay local. I wanted to stay in the IT field and to make a difference in the community. An opportunity was presented to become the director of technology at the Career Center. It has been a perfect fit.”
Winegar, 60, grew up in Coshock.
“I attended Coshocton High School,” he said, “until the 10th grade and the Career Center 11th and 12th in DECA (business management) program. After high school, I spent three years as a gas station manager and decided to attend college at Kent State main campus as I was living in Ravenna at the time. It was during this experience that I realized my passion for computer science. The personal computer was very new and there was no formal coursework offered at the school.
“I dropped out of college to passionately pursue the new and exciting field of personal computers,” he continued. “I worked several unrelated jobs while gaining knowledge and experience in the burgeoning field of business/personal computers and programming. Many years later, I earned a degree in IT from Franklin University and a business degree from Mount Vernon Nazarene University.”
Winegar said most of his career “has been in a wide array of disciplines within the field of information technology. Starting as a computer technician and computer sales. Eventually becoming a programmer, network engineer, communications specialist and a business owner.”
He started at the Career Center in 2015.
“Mr. Winegar is a great asset,” assessed Rick Raach, director of special programs at the Career Center. “Bart is both a visionary and problem solver in the technology area. He works extremely hard in meeting the needs of our students and staff.”
“I chose to serve at the Career Center to give back to the community,” Winegar responded. “Coshocton was a great place to grow and provided our family with support during difficult times. I was fortunate to encounter people with good character and intentions. As a student, the Career Center was especially impactful because of the great administration and passionate instructors. Thankfully, the environment is the same today.”
The Coshocton County Career Center is located at 23640 Airport Road in Coshocton. For more information, call 740-622-0211 or log on www.coshoctoncareers.org.
Aces of Trades is a weekly series focusing on people and their jobs – whether they’re unusual jobs, fun jobs or people who take ordinary jobs and make them extraordinary. If you have a suggestion for a future profile, let us know at ctnews@coshoctontribune.com.
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