10-27-2026 10:40pm

Warren County Commissioners Announce Two Key Leadership Appointments

Beth Callahan Editor

LEBANON, OH — Warren County will see two changes in county leadership next month following the Board of County Commissioners' approval of Ray Dratt as assistant county administrator and the hiring of Matthew Fields as economic development director.

Both appointments will take effect Nov. 9.

Dratt, who currently serves as Warren County's director of building and zoning, has worked for the county since 2022. He became director of building and zoning in January 2025, overseeing a department of 17 employees.

Before joining county government, Dratt spent more than two decades in federal law enforcement, retiring as a special agent with the U.S. Department of Justice.

He also served 23 years in the U.S. Army and National Guard, attaining the rank of command sergeant major and serving as the senior enlisted leader of a 500-soldier battalion.

A Warren County resident, Dratt holds a bachelor's degree in criminal justice from SUNY Brockport.

“Ray is a strong manager with sound judgment and a clear sense of mission,” the commissioners said in a statement. “We’ve seen his leadership firsthand in building and zoning. He has earned our confidence, and we’re pleased to have him take on this broader responsibility.”

While Dratt moves into an expanded administrative role, Fields will join Warren County government with experience in economic development, business recruitment and infrastructure projects.

Fields previously served as economic development director for Buchanan County, Virginia, and executive director of the Buchanan County Industrial Development Authority.

His responsibilities included recruiting businesses, securing and administering grants, developing infrastructure and managing commercial and industrial properties.

Fields has also worked with businesses, utility companies and government agencies on broadband expansion, transportation improvements and workforce development initiatives.

Most recently, he operated Appalachian Capital Partners, providing consulting services to public authorities and regional partners on grants, land use and commercial development.

He holds a Master of Business Administration from King University and has served on the board of Virginia Housing.

“Matthew knows the work it takes to bring investment into a community and help businesses succeed,” the commissioners said. “We’re excited to welcome him to Warren County and put that experience to work with our employers and local communities.”

As economic development director, Fields will work with existing employers and community partners to encourage business expansion and attract new investment.

The two appointments place Dratt and Fields in positions that will help shape county operations and economic development efforts as Warren County continues to grow.