ELECTED OFFICIALS

Nicole is a dedicated professional with 20 years of experience in water resources management and conservation issues. She holds a BS with Honors in Biology from the University of Puget Sound and currently contributes her expertise to the Banklick Watershed Council.  

As a Conservation District supervisor, Nicole's vision centers on empowering the community with natural resource management (via expertise and funding), improving and expanding community greenspaces, and enhancing public education on related challenges. She recognizes the complex interplay between economic growth, development pressures, agricultural practices, and the maintenance of healthy ecosystems. 

Nicole believes the Conservation District can effectively navigate these competing interests by fostering public-private collaborations, actively pursuing external grant funding opportunities, and promoting green solutions to improve ecological function and community resilience.

Chris is a graduate of Northern Kentucky University with a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science and Geography, Magna Cum Laude.

He believes that locally we must take stock of our abundant resources and plan on implementing effective land and water management practices that will endure whatever global hardships we face. His goal is to work on coordinating efforts to mitigate losses to our natural environment, and to find innovative ways to collaborate on the expansion of our successful conservation program and its legacy.

"Preserving the bond between land, water, and occupants is crucial to improving the character and personality of the country" Chris said.

James currently works in corporate risk management for an engineering consulting firm. He holds a B.S. in Environmental Science from NKU and has a diverse background that includes service in the Marine Corps infantry, aquatic field ecology, engineering technology, health and safety, and risk management.

Growing up, James spent his youth fishing and working on his father's shrimp boat in the open waters of the Gulf of Mexico and the bayous of Southeast Texas and Southwest Louisiana. This upbringing instilled in him a deep appreciation for natural resources. James currently enjoys hunting and fishing around NKY and across the US and spending time with his wife and daughters serving the community through their local church.

James joined KCCD to support the District's mission by leveraging his diverse background to provide thoughtful and reasonable approaches to protect, improve, and conserve Kenton County's natural resources, especially in rural areas that are often overlooked.

Larry earned his BA degree & Masters in Education from Northern Kentucky University. He is a US Marine Veteran, retired teacher, mentor, Deacon, and family man who loves our country and communities. 

As a Commonwealth Ambassador, Larry has 20+years of public service and advocates for our Clean Water, Land, and Clean Air. He has experience working on his family’s farm, assisting with science fairs, community gardens, community clean up, land restoration, and enjoys distributing food from farmers to families in need. 

Larry is excited to educate others about the importance of being involved in protecting our natural resources. Larry Owen loves history and science and is ready to include, educate, and serve our communities!

Andrew is a retired executive from the Shaw Group and joined the Board of Supervisors in January 2021. He holds a B.S. in Environmental Health Science from Eastern Kentucky University and is a long-time Kenton County resident. An avid outdoorsman, Andrew recognizes the importance of sustainable environmental management practices in the reduction of soil erosion, improvement of water quality and preservation of natural resources. When asked why he joined the Board, Andrew said, “I’m particularly interested in focusing on urban and suburban residents who can benefit from the District’s environmental education and assistance opportunities along with open green-space initiatives while preserving, protecting and supporting the heritage and sustainable land-use practices of traditional agricultural activities.” 

Mark is a life-long Kenton County resident with a home in South Covington for 30 years. He holds a B.S. in Biology from NKU and M.S. from University of Cincinnati.  

The leadership qualities he brings from P&G and other places are being the organizer and teacher.  Over the years, he has organized & educated local lake owners to know how to monitor their own lakes and communicate their concerns. He also brings from 12 years at H&R Block skills in customer service and advising people. “You need to meet the people where they are, not where you are”.

Mark’s believes information and education are the most important conservation issues facing our county. "Most people are genuinely concerned about conservation. What they often need is access to the best practices to put practical shoe-leather to their concerns. Nothing motivates people like rewarding their efforts with success” Mark said.

Mark plans to emphasize making information accessible. As his farmer friend says, “You put the hay down where the goats can get it”.

Anita has a BS degree in Social Science from Regents College, New York, and has 23 years of active Army, Army Reserve, and Navy Reserve service.  

She has worked in warehouse logistics, real estate, public service, and on several farms and greenhouse operations in the U.S. Anita has 200 acres of conservation grassland in Montana, as well as land in Powell and Menifee Counties in Kentucky. 

Living directly on Fowler Creek, Anita has seen how urbanization has diminished watersheds and natural resources, and how homeowner hazards have increased from an erratic climate. She is interested in bringing resources to landowners to address these concerns.

The Kenton County Conservation District Board meets on the second Wednesday of each month, at 5:00 p.m., alternating every other month between Independence Courthouse and virtual meetings from remote locations; monthly meeting location will be posted accordingly.  

The Kenton County Conservation District will encourage the protection and management of our county’s natural resources, emphasizing the importance of our watersheds, natural environment and agricultural lands. In accordance with state statute, we will actively promote sound land use policies and practices through education and community involvement.