September 18, 2025

Building Local Power in Central Ohio

In Central Ohio, the momentum for environmental progress is building – and it’s powered by the people who live, work, and organize here. From neighborhood leaders to policy advocates, communities across the region are stepping up to shape a cleaner, healthier, and more equitable future. To ensure the region continues to advance towards a sustainable future, the Ohio Environmental Council has launched its first-ever Central Ohio field advocacy program! 

I’m honored to serve as OEC’s first Central Ohio Regional Director, leading efforts to strengthen local engagement and drive community-based environmental policy solutions. After years of working on statewide water policy, I’m thrilled to return my focus to the region I live in and support the bold, people-powered progress already underway. 

Why now, and why Central Ohio? 

Central Ohio is one of the most influential, wealthy, and rapidly growing regions in the state.  By 2050, an additional 634,000 people will move to the region, making it one of the largest urban metro areas in the country with a total of 3,000,000 residents. This growth will bring new opportunities, as well as new stresses to our communities and environment.   

As Central Ohio Regional Director, I’ll be leading place-based policy and advocacy efforts and building relationships throughout the region. Together with our communities and local leaders, we’ll work to advance lasting progress across a few key areas: 

• Clean Water – Protecting the Big and Little Darby Creeks, advocating for water affordability, and supporting lead service line replacement programs 

• Affordable & Reliable Energy – Supporting local community choice aggregation programs and ensuring affordable and reliable energy for all residents and businesses 

• Sustainable Development – Ensuring local growth supports people and our environment 

There’s so much important work ahead, and we want you to be part of it. Whether you’re a longtime advocate or just beginning to get involved, I invite you to stay connected and engaged. Sign up for our Central Ohio Quarterly Newsletter to follow our work and take action with us.