The Geauga SWCD Staff

Colleen is the new Administrative Assistant for the District.  She 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 and is excited to join the soil and water family.  Welcome Colleen!

Carmella Shale

Carmella currently serves as the District Engineer/Administrator for the Geauga SWCD 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 Masters degree in Hydrology. Carmella previously worked at the Geauga County Engineer's office.

Bob Griesmer

Bob serves as the District Technician for Geauga SWCD, providing technical assistance for homeowners and conducting 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 Doyle 

Gail is the Natural Resources Specialist for the district.  She provides presentations and 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 18 years of experience in environmental education.

Katie Nainiger 

Katie currently serves as the Conservation Education Coordinator. She 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.

Ron Etling

Ron Etling is presently serving as the District Conservation Educator for Geauga SWCD providing schools, scout groups, and home school students with hands-on programs relating to the conservation of our natural resources.  Ron received a Bachelor of Science in Education from Kent State University where he continues to teach outdoor education on a part-time basis.  Ron has been an educator for past 39 years and has worked professionally as a teacher, naturalist, conservationist, and coach.

Colleen Sharp

Colleen Sharp serves as the District Urban Technician.  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 on amphibians.

Al Bonnis

Al is the District Conservationist for the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), working cooperatively with the Lake, Ashtabula and Geauga SWCD. He has been with the NRCS for over 25 years. 

The Geauga SWCD Board of Supervisors 

Board meetings are held at 7:00 pm at the Geauga SWCD office in the Patterson Center, 14269 Claridon-Troy Road in Burton, on the second Monday of the month in January, February, and December.  All other meetings are held on the third  Monday of the month.  For a schedule of meeting dates please click here.  

Mr. Ken Folsom

Ken grew up in Russell Township but now resides in Middlefield Township.  He was elected as Board Chair 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. 

Mr. Mike Henry, P.E.

Mike Henry has been an Auburn Township resident for the part 9 years.  Serving as Vice Chair to the Board, Mike is a Professional Engineer and has spent the past 4 years as a partner with Chagrin Valley Engineers, Ltd.  Previously, Mike worked as a regional engineer for Ducks Unlimited, Ind. 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.

Mr. Ed Hren, P.E.

Ed Hren has been a Munson Township resident for the past 10 years, and is currently serving as Secretary to the Board of Supervisors .  Ed is a Professional Engineer and has spent the past 14 years as a partner with Chagrin Valley Engineers, Ltd.  He is actively involved in the community and has served on the Munson Township Zoning Commission.  He presently serves as the municipal engineer for three Cuyahoga County communities.  Ed also serves on the Board of Directors for the Tinkers Creek Watershed Partners. 

Mr. 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.  

Ms. Mary Slingluff

Mary is a Chester Township resident.  She was recently elected to the Geauga SWCD Board of Supervisors and serves as 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.

If you would like more information on becoming a board member please click here.