The Soil & Water Conservation District has served Licking County since 1944, promoting conservation of natural resources through local leadership, education, and technical assistance.
Soil & Water's Board of Supervisors:
Landowners and residents of Licking County elect the governing body of Licking County Soil & Water Conservation District. The governing body is referred to as the Board of Supervisors.
The election of Supervisors is conducted by the Ohio Soil and Water Conservation Commission pursuant to rules it adopts under Chapter 119 of the Revised Code. The five publicly-elected members of the Board of Supervisors serve, unpaid, for three-year terms.
The five Supervisors should represent our county's soil conservation and water conservation needs in rural, suburban and urban settings, on farmland and in our backyards and public lands. They voluntarily work with community members and organizations to encourage wise use of our land and water.
Get out and Vote!
Individuals who own or occupy land within the Licking County Soil and Water Conservation District and are 18 or older may vote for Supervisor. Cast a ballot at:
- Soil & Water office from October 1, 2025, until October 31, 2025, during regular business hours.
- Soil & Water Annual Banquet, October 14th, 2025 at Newark Earthworks, The Octagon, 5:00–6:30 pm.
Request an absentee ballot from October 1, 2025, until October 24, 2025 ballot by:
- Mail: 771 East Main Street, Suite 100, Newark, OH 43055,
- Call: 740‐670‐5330,
- Email: BritneyMiller@LickingSWCD.com.
Absentee ballots must be received in the SWCD office by October 31, 2025.
Ballots counted and the winners will be announced November 4, 2025.
Winning Candidate will start their term on January 1, 2026.
Meet the Candidates for the 2025 Board of Supervisors Election.
One candidate will be elected to start a 3-year term on January 1, 2026.
Jeffrey Baker (incumbent):
Jeff Baker, a Newark resident and retired Science Teacher at the Alpha School in Perry County, is running for the Licking County Soil & Water Board of Supervisors. With degrees in biology, marketing, business management, and teaching, Jeff brings a strong blend of science and leadership to the role. He previously served on the Board from 2015–2017 and was appointed to fulfil an open seat in January 2025. Jeff is passionate about increasing community awareness of water pollution issues and building stronger public support for Licking Soil & Water’s mission.
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Diane Todd:
Diane Todd, a lifelong resident of Burlington Township, grew up on her family’s farm where crops are still raised today. She serves as a Risk Management Officer with WesBanco Bank and continues her family’s legacy of service—her father, Donald Todd, served on the Soil & Water Board in the 1990s. Diane is committed to helping the district address the challenges of rapid urban growth by expanding expertise and educational resources for residents, businesses, and local governments.
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Sara Pezzutti:
Sara Pezzutti of Newark is passionate about protecting local waterways from flooding and runoff and encouraging both businesses and homeowners to incorporate native plants. She also promotes tree planting to help address excessive heat and drought in the area. A homeschooling parent with a strong personal commitment to land stewardship, Sara is largely self-taught in natural resource topics and volunteers at Inniswood Metro Gardens.
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2025 Board Members
Associate Board Members
Associate Board members are concerned citizens who officially volunteer their time to assist the Board and District. Associate Board Members serve on board committees, help plan, promote and implement district programs, activities, field days, etc., represent the district at various meetings and events, and present district programs to individuals, groups, and organizations. Contact us to learn more at Information@LickingSWCD.com.
2023 & 2024 Soil & Water Board Meeting Minutes
Email ContactUs@LickingSWCD.com for board meeting minutes before 2023.
