Geauga SWCD

Each of the 88 Soil and Water Conservation Districts in the State of Ohio has a five-member, governing body.  The governing body is the SWCD Board of Supervisors and their job is to set the direction for the District staff.  Board members are elected to serve staggered, three-year terms.  They serve as volunteers and are granted specific powers under Chapter 1515 of the Ohio Revised Code.

The Board of Supervisors has the ethical and legal responsibility to ensure that the SWCD meets its mission.  They set the District policies for the office procedure, county projects, and public requests.  The Board also determines the need for additional staff members, works cooperatively with other agencies and local officials, and assists with the attainment of operational funds.

There are twelve monthly board meetings, and a few special meetings throughout the year including the Annual Dinner Meeting, budget hearing with the County Commissioners, and various committee meetings.  Many excellent opportunities arise throughout the course of the year that allow Supervisors to attend workshops, conferences, and events on an area, state, or even national level.  These opportunities are a great way to learn more about the prominent conservation issues that face the community.

The role of the SWCD Board Supervisor is very important.  Conservation is a prominent issue in Geauga County and the need for conservation leaders is essential. We encourage county residents to attend the Annual Meeting and vote for board supervisors in order to help protect Geauga County's soil and water resources.

Interested in Becoming a Board Supervisor

Anyone who is a resident of Geauga County is eligible to run for Board Supervisor.  If you are interested in being a Supervisor, please send a letter of intent explaining your  background and why you are interested in becoming a Board Supervisor.  A nominating committee chooses a slate of candidates that are voted on at the Annual Meeting .  Either 1 or 2 supervisors are elected to staggered terms each year.  If you are not chosen by the nominating committee to be on the ballot, you may fill out a petition and with the required amount of qualifying signatures will be placed on the ballot. 

Board of Supervisors

Chair, Mike Henry, P.E.

Mike Henry has been an Auburn Township resident for the past 9 years.  Serving as Vice Chair to the Board, Mike is a Professional Engineer and has spent the past 5 years as a partner with Chagrin Valley Engineers, Ltd.  Previously, Mike worked as a regional engineer for Ducks Unlimited, Inc. where he aided in land conservation throughout the Great Lakes region.  Mike has served as a member of the Auburn Township Zoning Commission since 2005.

Vice Chair, Mary Slingluff

Mary is a Chester Township resident and serves as Geauga SWCD Board Treasurer.  As owner of Avalon Gardens Nursery in Munson for the past 10 years, she has created a sustainable green business that grows native plants.  She uses her knowledge and passion for plants to teach rain gardening, organic gardening practices, as well as erosion control and water management.  Mary holds a biology degree from Allegheny College.

Secretary, Ed Hren, P.E.

Ed Hren has been a Geauga County resident for almost 20 years and has lived in Munson Township for the past 12 years.  He is currently serving as Chair to the Board of Supervisors and is an Ohio registered Professional Engineer.  He is past president of the Municipal Engineers Association of Northeast Ohio and is a partner with Chagrin Valley Engineers, Ltd.  Ed is actively involved in the community having served on the Munson Township Zoning Commission for 8 years and he has also served on the Board of Directors for the Tinkers Creek Watershed Partners.  He presently serves as the municipal engineer for three Cuyahoga County communities. 

Fiscal Agent, Ken Folsom

Ken grew up in Russell Township but now resides in Middlefield Township.  He was elected as Board Secretary to the Geauga SWCD Board of Supervisors. Ken serves as Deputy Director for Geauga County's Department of Emergency Services.  He graduated from West Geauga High School and was formerly the Newbury Township Zoning Inspector, supervising and monitoring the erosion control regulations for the Township Zoning Board. 

Treasurer, Dick Balazs

Dick has been a Geauga County resident since 1974 and currently resides in Chester Township where he enjoys gardening.  He was employed as a municipal finance officer for 25 years and currently serves as the Board's Fiscal Agent.  In addition, Dick served for 4 years as Treasurer of the Cleveland Public Library, was President of the Municipal Finances Association, and was appointed by Governor Voinovich to serve on the State Police and Fire Retirement Fund. 

Associate Supervisors

Nancy Speck

Linda Henry

Dee Belew

Staff

Colleen Lair, Administrative Assistant

Colleen provides administrative support and customer service, as well as heading up many special projects.  Colleen is a native Geauga County resident of Newbury.  She is a graduate of Newbury High School and attended Kent State University's Geauga Branch in Burton.  Colleen has nine years of experience as an administrative assistant.

Carmella Shale, PE, District Director/Engineer

Carmella is in charge of office operations and the Urban Program. She is a registered Professional Engineer for the State of Ohio. Carmella graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from Cleveland State University, then moved on to earn her Master's degree in Hydrology. Carmella previously worked at the Geauga County Engineer's office.

Bob Griesmer, Urban Technician

Bob provides technical assistance for homeowners and conducts construction site inspections. He attended North Carolina State University and received a BS in Horticultural Science. His professional experiences include golf course construction and maintenance, ornamental nurseryman, grounds and landscape, and experience in agricultural research as greenhouse manager and field specialist.

Gail Prunty, Education/Communications Specialist

Gail provides presentations for all ages, workshops for adults, assists with public outreach and information, and offers assistance with managing and sustaining our natural resources.  Previously, she has worked for the Tuscarawas County Park Department, Athens SWCD, Burr Oak State Park, and Nature’s Classroom Outdoor Education Program.  Gail has an Associate Degree in Natural & Cultural History Interpretation from Hocking College and has over 20 years of experience in environmental education.

Katie Nainiger, Conservation Education Coordinator

Katie designs education programs that focus on Geauga County's natural resources and aligns them to the Ohio Academic Content Standards. She currently serves on the Ohio Department of Education Science Range Finding Committee and is a council member for the Western Reserve Resource Development and Conservation.  She also coordinates the following special projects: Envirothon, Watershed Ripples Newsletter, teacher of the year, conservation poster contest, and education brochures. Katie received her degree in Wildlife Management and Interpretive Services from Hocking College. She previously worked at Lake Metroparks Wildlife Center for 12 years as the Wildlife Education Coordinator.

Colleen Sharp, Natural Resources Technician

Colleen  assists with mitigation sites owned by Geauga County, conducts stream and wetland assessments, inspects construction sites, and manages the GIS storm sewer outfall database for the County.  She received her Bachelor of Science degree from Cleveland State University in Environmental Science and then went on to earn a Master of Science degree from the University of Akron in Biology.  Colleen's past experience consists of various internships including environmental education, stream evaluations, wetland assessments, and conservation easement inspections.  She has also conducted various studies and research with amphibians and water quality.

Abby Berndt, USDA-NRCS District Conservationist

Abby is the Soil Conservationist for the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), working cooperatively with the Lake, Ashtabula, and Geauga SWCD.  She has been with NRCS since 2008.  She is located in Orwell in the USDA Service center off Grand Valley Ave.