A Quiet Hand Behind Warren County’s Growth Has Taken A New Position In MIddletown

From industrial expansions and restored landmarks to the Warren County Sports Park and a regional bond fund, Russell helped assemble partnerships behind some of the county’s most visible projects.

LEBANON, OH — Many of the projects connected to Martin Russell’s career can be seen from a highway, a downtown street or a youth soccer field.

Martin Russell speaks during a Warren County Board of Commissioners meeting. Screenshot from Warren County Board of Commissioners meeting video.

They include industrial buildings along the Interstate 75 corridor, expansions of local manufacturers, the transformation of the historic Peters Cartridge Factory, improvements to the Countryside YMCA and the development of the Warren County Sports Park.

Russell did not accomplish those projects alone. Each required developers, business owners, local governments, attorneys, financial advisers and appointed boards. But for nearly two decades, Russell was frequently one of the people bringing those parties to the same table.

Russell joined Warren County’s economic development office in 2007, the same year county commissioners established the Warren County Port Authority. He eventually became director of economic development, executive director of the Port Authority and deputy county administrator before being named county administrator beginning Jan. 1, 2024.

His resignation as county administrator is effective Aug. 28. Russell is leaving Warren County to become an assistant city manager in Middletown, continuing a public-service career that began long before he reached the county administrator’s office.

Building an economic-development tool

A port authority may bring to mind docks, ships and waterways, but Ohio law allows port authorities to serve a much broader economic-development role.

The Warren County Port Authority can issue bonds, enter into construction and lease agreements, assist with public infrastructure and offer sales-tax savings on qualifying construction materials. Those tools can help businesses and governments complete projects that might otherwise be delayed, reduced or abandoned.

Russell became one of the Port Authority’s early leaders as the organization developed from a newly created county agency into a financing partner for projects across Warren County and beyond.

During his tenure, the Port Authority participated in projects involving Park North Commerce Park, Cincinnati Premium Outlets, Miami Valley Gaming, ADVICS Manufacturing, E-Beam Services, Green Point Metals, LCNB National Bank, the Countryside YMCA and numerous warehouse and manufacturing developments.

The projects represented more than new buildings. They created places for people to work, helped existing employers expand and generated additional property, sales and income-tax activity for local communities.

Port Authority records show the organization issued $15.735 million in bonds in connection with development of the Warren County Sports Park. While the Port Authority holds title to the land,  the Warren County Convention and Visitors Bureau operates the facility under a long-term agreement. The complex began opening in phases in 2018 and was developed to attract championship events, visiting athletes and tourism spending to Warren County.

The Port Authority also participated in the redevelopment of the former Peters Cartridge Factory near Kings Mills. The project converted a deteriorated and environmentally complicated industrial landmark into approximately 240,000 square feet of apartments and commercial space. Port Authority meeting records show Russell and his staff worked to keep conversations moving among the developer, environmental regulators and other parties.

Other projects reflected the less-visible side of economic development. The Port Authority issued $8.6 million in bonds for Clearcreek Township’s police building, road-equipment facilities and renovations to township buildings. It also helped finance Franklin’s Main Street Streetscaping Project through a $12 million bond issue covering streets, public walkways, parks and other public improvements.

Expanding Warren County’s reach

During Russell’s Port Authority leadership, the organization established the Ohio Communities Accelerator Fund in 2018. The fund pools common reserves to support bond issues and provide governments and businesses with access to long-term, fixed-rate financing. Port Authority records say the program can give smaller borrowers access to capital markets and terms that may not be available through traditional lending.

By Dec. 31, 2024, the fund had 24 outstanding bond financings totaling approximately $106.8 million. Its projects extended beyond Warren County, while administrative fees from outstanding bond issues provided annual revenue to the Port Authority.

The Port Authority’s work also reached smaller employers. Its 2024 financial report said services provided through the Warren County Small Business Development Center helped create 58 jobs, retain 135 jobs and start 10 businesses, with an estimated capital impact of more than $11 million during that year. Those figures represent the combined work of the Port Authority, development staff, business advisers and participating companies—not the accomplishments of one individual—but they illustrate the system Russell helped develop.

From development to county administration

Russell’s move into the county administrator’s position broadened his responsibilities beyond economic development.As administrator, he worked with commissioners and department heads on budgets, contracts, facilities, infrastructure, personnel and the use of federal American Rescue Plan Act money. 

His path through Warren County government reflected a gradual expansion of responsibility: from attracting and retaining businesses, to overseeing complicated financing agreements, to helping coordinate the daily operations of county government.

The most accurate measure of Russell’s impact may not be one building, one company or one bond issue. It is the network of relationships and financial tools that remain in place after his departure.

Projects such as the sports park, Peters Cartridge redevelopment, manufacturing expansions and public infrastructure were ultimately approved by boards and carried out by teams. Russell’s contribution was often behind the scenes—helping identify a financing path, bringing partners together and moving a complicated proposal from discussion toward completion.

After 19 years, Russell leaves Warren County with a record that can be measured in buildings restored, businesses expanded, financing programs established and partnerships formed.

His next chapter will take him to Middletown, but much of the work completed during his Warren County career will remain visible for decades.

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