Sam Roberts - Executive Director
One of the founders and Executive Director, Sam grew up in Malta where he went to West Elementary and graduated from Morgan High School in 2014. Sam was an active student throughout his time at MLSD, with a presence in a variety of extracurriculars including varsity soccer, student council, and a season as the Raider Gator mascot.
After graduating from MHS, Sam went to Muskingum University where he got his B.S. in Neuroscience in 2018. Similarly, Sam was active in a variety of campus activities, including local fraternity The Stag Club, the Neuroscience Club, and several academic and social honors societies.
Upon graduating from Muskingum, Sam moved on to work at The Ohio State University’s Wexner Medical Center’s Institute of Neuroscience as a research scientist. It was during this time that Sam and some other MHS alumni founded MoCommSS and when he developed a passion for working in the nonprofit sector. In 2022, Sam went back to school at OSU and obtained a Masters in Public Administration with a focus on nonprofit management, to give himself the skills and knowledge necessary to grow MoCommSS to the level that he and the board wanted to see it. After graduating in 2024 from OSU, Sam has since been working in the nonprofit advocacy space to continue developing his skill-set in the nonprofit sector.
Sam currently lives in Columbus, Ohio, with his partner Kate and their two cats. In his free time, Sam enjoys watching TV and movies, playing video games, cooking, exercising, travelling, and spending time with his friends and family.
Kylee Nichols - Director
Growing up in McConnelsville, Kylee has always been shaped by the Morgan County Community. She was constantly involved in something around town, whether it be playing soccer, volunteering with Junior Leaders, or completing various 4-H projects. She graduated from Morgan High School in 2014 before heading to Ohio University, where she earned a bachelor’s degree.
After college, she decided to stay in Athens and completed three AmeriCorps service terms with a local non-profit. This experience strengthened her passion for public service and broadened her understanding of the challenges and strengths within rural communities. It was during this time when she first became involved with MoCommSS.
Kylee went on to pursue a master’s degree at the University of Michigan, and upon graduating, she knew she wanted to return home and put her skills and knowledge to work in Southeast Ohio. Today, she is back in the region working in grant administration, where she gets to support local communities and organizations in securing resources, building capacity, and creating sustainable impact in Southeast Ohio.
Kylee currently lives in Belpre with her husband Anthony, two dogs Ziggy and Olive, and one cat Frida. She loves hanging out with her little family, reading, hiking, and playing video games.
Aaron Roberts - President
Aaron Roberts has been serving as the President of MoCommSS since its start in 2020. Aaron grew up in Malta and is an alum of both Morgan West Elementary and Morgan High School. He went on to attend The Ohio State University, acquiring both a bachelor’s in psychology and then his law degree. Aaron was admitted to the practice of law in the State of Ohio in 2022.
Aaron has long had an interest in serving the public interest and giving back to the community where he can. He was heavily involved with the local Morgan County Boy Scouts Troop growing up, and his desire to help others has guided his professional career as well. During a gap year in college, Aaron worked here in Morgan County as a Job Coach for people with developmental disabilities. Currently, Aaron works for a legal nonprofit, providing representation to vulnerable populations who otherwise would likely not be able to have an attorney.
Being with the group since it’s inception, Aaron sees MoCommSS as an organization that can truly facilitate community growth and engagement in his hometown. As President, he has helped guide the organization’s efforts internally to ensure we are operating smoothly, productively, and efficiently. He has been honored to fill the role for the time that he has, and hopes to see the organization continue to grow and thrive regardless of his official role within it.
Aaron is currently based in Columbus, OH. Outside of his professional life, Aaron enjoys exploring the city’s restaurants and events, relaxing at home playing video games, the occasional bit of creative writing, and coming back to MoCo to visit with friends and family.
Cody patterson - Director
As a founding member of MoCommSS, Cody currently sits on the Board of Directors. He was born and raised on Triadelphia Road in Morgan County and was one of the last students to attend the York Township School before moving to West Elementary. Cody graduated from Morgan High School in 2012. While in school he played varsity basketball and soccer, and ran track. He was also part of the electronics program.
After high school, Cody went to the University of Cincinnati where he earned a bachelor's degree in Neurobiology in 2016. After school he took a job working for a life science company in a role that allows him to travel. He still lives in Cincinnati, but the unique perspective that growing up in Morgan County gave him inspired him to help found MoCommSS.
Outside of his duties as a Director, Cody likes to stay active in his community. Currently he volunteers as a tenant organizer, helping renters fight for the housing they deserve. In his free time he also golfs, fishes, and plays bluegrass music.
Isaac hager - Co-founder, former director
While at Heidelberg University, Isaac would discover his passion for education and an interest in history. After retiring from his wrestling career due to repetitive injury, Isaac focused on his academics and worked to graduate from Heidelberg University in just three years with his Bachelor of Arts degree in History. Throughout this time period, Isaac also met his wife Justine. Isaac would graduate in May of 2020 and start his career working as a laborer for his fathers construction company.
After finishing school and coming back to Morgan County throughout the pandemic, Isaac was connected with Sam Roberts through mutual friends after sharing concerns and visions for Morgan County. Acknowledging the existing successes and strengths of the county, these recent alumni were eager to work together to found MoCommSS with the goal of supporting Morgan County and collaboratively and continually improving the region all together.
Nearly a year after starting the organization, Isaac moved to Barberton, Ohio and lives with his wife Justine. Due to unforeseen circumstances, in August of 2024, Isaac stepped away from his direct role in the organization, but has made it a goal to remain a supporter and advocate for MoCommSS efforts. Currently, Isaac is in his fifth year as a full-time educator at an international private institution located in Ashland, Ohio, and often travels around the country working with students in Boston, San Francisco, and even internationally in places like Barbados and Australia!