Getting to Know Mayor Arnold

Q: Tell me about yourself
A: I'm a first-generation farmer raising beef cattle and growing corn, soybeans and hay. I also have a custom hay wrapping business serving Wayne and surrounding counties. Born and raised in southern Wayne County, I attended Triway Local School District where I also met my wife of 20 years and counting, Dr. Kelly Covey. We have two daughters, Elizabeth and Brook. I currently serve as the President of the Wayne County Farm Bureau, Franklin Township trustee, Vice President of the Wayne County Association of Trustees and Fiscal Officers and as a Director of the Wayne County Land Reutilization Corporation (WCLRC) Board.

Q: Where did you grow up?
A: Rittman

Q: Where did you go to school?
A: Rittman. Class of 2000

Q: What events led you to where you are?
A: Growing up in a great community and having a strong family bond played the largest part, but my time in the military also had a significant impact. The ARMY instilled in me a disciplined, systematic approach to problem-solving and a deep commitment to serving others. That same drive to serve led me to a career with the Department of Veterans Affairs, where I've spent years developing training programs and helping organizations improve. When the opportunity arose to run for Mayor of Rittman, it felt like a natural extension of that service—a chance to give back to the community I call home.

Q: What is your work experience/background?
A: I'm a combat veteran who transitioned into federal service with the Department of Veterans Affairs. My career has focused on training, organizational development, and performance management. I've conducted program evaluations across the country and developed strategic recommendations for leadership at all levels.

Q: How long have you been at your current company and what is your role?
A: Currently, I am the Deputy Director for Developmental Programs, Department of Veterans Affairs, National Cemetery Administration. I’ve worked for the agency for more than 19 years.

Q: What excites you most about going to work every day?
A: I love the opportunity to make a meaningful impact—whether that's helping develop the next generation of leaders, improving training programs, or now as Mayor, working to strengthen our local economy and community. There's nothing more satisfying than seeing systematic improvements create real results for people.

Q: What does the WEDC mean to Wayne County?
A: The WEDC is essential to Wayne County's economic vitality. It serves as a catalyst for business development, job creation, and strategic growth that benefits our entire region. Organizations like the WEDC help connect communities with opportunities—whether that's attracting new businesses, supporting existing employers, or developing key industrial sites that can bring quality jobs to our area.

Q: Why did you decide to join the WEDC Board or Advisory Council?
A: Economic development is one of my top priorities as Mayor of Rittman. I believe in collaborative regional approaches—we're stronger when Wayne County communities work together. Serving on the WEDC Board allows me to contribute to that regional vision while advocating for opportunities that benefit Rittman and our neighboring communities. My background in organizational analysis and strategic planning, combined with my commitment to our area, made this a natural fit.

Just for Fun

Q: Favorite music
A: I’ll listen to anything, but if I had to name a favorite artist, it would be Jim Croce.

Q: Favorite food
A: Anyone that knows me knows I am a big pizza connoisseur.

Q: I'm currently streaming
A: Tulsa Kings

Q: I'm currently reading
A: Maverick Leadership. A great friend, Babe Kwasniak, is one of the authors. I highly recommend it!

Q: Dog or cat person
A: Dog, but we have a few barn cats that are growing on me.

Q: Favorite hobbies
A: Family, friends, and food. I also enjoy watching basketball and reading.

Q: What's your idea of a perfect vacation or favorite place traveled?
A: Anything with family.

Q: An interesting fact not many people know?
A: When I was 27, I was diagnosed with Marfan Syndrome, which is a genetic connective tissue disorder. It’s impacted me in multiple ways, but most importantly as a reminder that we’re all dealing with something. Looking at situations through multiple lenses has been a great lesson for me.

Q: How long have you lived in Wayne County?
A: 30+ years, with 10 years of moving around the country squeezed in.

Q: My favorite place in Wayne County
A: There’s a lot, but any Rittman stadium or gymnasium and Zollinger Sand & Gravel. (My great-grandfather started the business nearly 100 years ago and it’s a great place for me to reflect.)

Q: What do you love most about Wayne County?
A: I love the strong sense of community and the balance of small-town character with real economic potential. Wayne County has hardworking people who care about their neighbors, a proud heritage worth celebrating, and genuine opportunities for growth. As Mayor of Rittman, I'm excited to be part of building that future together.