Each week, #SpanningtheNeed will present an “Inspirational Person of the Week’ and have a “Q & A” with one of its many gifted individuals and/or groups who are willing to go out of their own way to help others. This week’s featured is Eddie Colbert from the City of Warren.
Do you know anyone that goes above and beyond in the community….Nominate Someone Now
Name: Eddie Colbert
Position: Director of Safety and Service
Organization: City of Warren
Bio: Director Colbert grew up in Ashtabula, Ohio where he graduated from Edgewood Senior High School in 1997. After high school he attended Youngstown State University where he received a Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice with a focus on Political Science. While at YSU he met his wife, Amanda who is a life long resident of Warren. In 2004, after graduation, Director Colbert moved to Warren to make a life with his wife.
In the private sector Director Colbert has worked at the Mahoning County Juvenile Justice Center and as a lead mental health provider for children at Associates of Child Counseling and Guidance both of which lead to his desire to make the future better for children. Once becoming a father, he felt the calling to run for City Council because he wanted to make Warren an even better city for his children to be raised in.
While working for Coca Cola, Director Colbert ran for Warren City Council’s 7th ward position and won. He spent six years as a ward councilman before he decided to run for the At Large position which he was elected to for three terms. Director Colbert resigned from council to take the Safety Service Director position. During his tenure on council Director Colbert was Chairman of Finance Committee, Police and Fire Committee and Council Pro Temp.
Along with council, Director Colbert is very involved in the community and has served on many boards including TCAP, Mobile Meals and the Historical Society. He and his family, along with good friends have organized and participated in many community service projects like Make A Difference Day, TSI’s A Home for Christmas and their annual 100 Turkey Giveaway. Director Colbert also coaches his son’s baseball teams for the WAC organization and football teams for Next Level Athletics and Warren Little Raiders
Director Colbert and his wife Amanda have been married since 2007. They have two sons, Jayden and Cameron, both who attend Warren City Schools.
What made you want to go into this field?
My family and my desire to help our community.
What’s the biggest factor that has helped you be successful?
My ability to listen and my willingness to learn.
What is the biggest professional mistake you made along the way?
Not starting sooner.
What is the hardest decision you ever had to make in this field?
Many of the decisions that were made to protect our citizens and our employees in the beginning of the pandemic were difficult.
If you could start all over again, what would you do differently regarding your profession?
I’m not sure that I would change anything?
What inspires you to do good in our community?
The citizens, children, the great people who made this city what it is. Last but not least, my family.
What do you enjoy most about volunteering in our community?
The ability to help and get to know the people of our city. From understanding the life stories of those who need help to working with people who have made volunteerism their life mission, working in the community has made me a better person, husband, father and community leader.
What is your best accomplishment/experience in life?
Becoming a husband and father.
Who is your role model and Why?
I really look up to my wife Amanda, She is truly the greatest person I have ever known.
If there was one person that you would like to meet, past or present and why?
Martin Luther King Jr. He is one of the greatest leaders this world has ever known.
A favorite quote that you live by?
Complete the play.
