Tri-C Program Director Highlighted as Green Industry Future Leader

Lori Zatroch listed among GPN's 40 Under 40 honorees

HIGHLAND HILLS — A Cuyahoga Community College (Tri-C®) program director is being recognized as part of the next generation of green innovation leaders.

Lori Zatroch, Tri-C's program director of Plant Science and Landscape Technology, was selected among the Greenhouse Plant Media 40 Under 40 Honorees for 2025. Recipients are chosen for their outstanding achievements, visionary leadership and unwavering commitment to driving positive change.

Since arriving at Tri-C in 2019, Zatroch has helped increase program enrollment by 19%. It has become the best two-year program in the nation, routinely placing alongside or above programs from large four-year universities in national competitions, such as the National Collegiate Landscape Competition (NCLC).

Two years ago, the College took first place overall at NCLC, becoming just the third community college to win the competition, and it has finished in the top 10 each year since 2014. Tri-C also had the top overall student on five occasions.

Zatroch graduated from The Ohio State University with a degree in Environment and Natural Resources with a focus on environmental education and wildlife.

"I had always enjoyed being outside but was drawn to education," Zatroch said. "I had several administrative roles at different universities before settling at Tri-C."

Zatroch said she knew little about horticulture or the green industry when she came to Tri-C, but her colleagues and the industry in Northeast Ohio have been welcoming and supportive.

"I believe that my winding path prepared me to support this wonderful industry and the students in our program," she said. "I think I am exactly where I need to be to best support this vibrant and diverse industry."

Read the full profile on the Greenhouse Product News Magazine website.

June 27, 2025

MEDIA CONTACT: Anthony Moujaes, 216-987-3068 or anthony.moujaes@tri-c.edu