The Geauga SWCD Staff

Elaine is a veteran of the Geauga Soil and Water Conservation District where she has worked for 20 years. Elaine has had the opportunity to work with 25 different Board Supervisors over the years.

Carmella Shale

Carmella currently serves as the first 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 in 1991, then moved on to earn her Masters degree in Hydrology in 1996. 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.

Annie Rzepka

Annie currently serves as the Natural Resources Specialist.  She conducts construction site inspections, creates education materials, and provides presentations and workshops for adults within Geauga County.  She received her B.A. in Environmental Studies from Hiram College.  Annie previously worked at Lake Metroparks as a Stewardship/ Interpretive Naturalist.

Shannon Mullins

Shannon Mullins is the new Urban Stormwater Specialist. She graduated from Kent State University with a Bachelor of Science in Geology. She has previously worked in environmental consulting and at Trumbull Soil and Water Conservation District, where she held the District Technician position.

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 also coordinates the following special projects; Environthon, 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 38 years and has worked professionally as a teacher, naturalist, conservationist, and coach.

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 in 2008 will be held at 7 pm at the Patterson Center, 14269 Claridon- Troy Road, in Burton, on the third  Monday of every month. For a schedule of meeting dates please click here.

Mr. Dick Balazs

Dick has been a Geauga County resident since 1974 and currently resides in Chester Township where he enjoys gardening.  He was recently elected as the Board's Vice Chair. He was employed as a municipal finance officer for 25 years.  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 Board.  

Mr. Tracy Engle

Tracy Engle was elected in 2007 and serves as Board Chairman.  He resides in Auburn Township with his wife and two children.  Tracy is an ecological services group manager with TranSystems Corporation of Cleveland where he leads a team of scientists in performing a variety of environmental consulting tasks including wetland delineations, aquatic resource evaluations and ecological assessments.

Mr. Ken Folsom

Ken grew up in Russell Township but now resides in Newbury Township. He was recently elected as Board Fiscal Agent. Ken works for Geauga County's Local Emergency Planning Committee. 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. 

Mike Henry, P.E.

Mike Henry has been an Auburn Township resident for the part 8 years.  He was recently elected to the Geauga SWCD Board of Supervisors and serves as Board Treasurer.  Mike is a Professional Engineer and has spent the past 2 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 2007.

Mr. Ed Hren, P.E.

Ed Hren has been a Munson Township resident for the past 15 years.  He was recently elected to the Geauga SWCD Board of Supervisors and serves as Board Secretary.  Ed is a Professional Engineer and has spent the past 11 years as a partner with Chagrin Valley Engineers, Ltd.  He is actively involved in the community and presently serves as the municipal engineer for two Cuyahoga County communities, Chairman of the Munson Township Zoning Commission.  Ed also serves on the Board of Directors for the Tinkers Creek Watershed Partners. 

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