Meet the Hilliard Environmental Sustainability Commission

With two compost bins, over 20 trees and a greenhouse on her property, her family of 5 is “all in” on doing their part to keep Hilliard alive and beautiful. Brittany & her husband are co-owners of Freedom Recovery – a faith-based, drug and alcohol recovery facility in Columbus and surrounding areas. In her spare time, Britt loves gardening, running and spending time with her family at their Lake House!

Meredith has a strong educational and science research background with degrees from Penn State University in Earth Sciences (B.S.), Energy and Geo-Environmental Engineering (M.S.) and Energy and Mineral Engineering (Ph.D.). She’s previously worked in science outreach, which involved promoting earth science literacy at all educational levels. Meredith has always been passionate about the environment, energy, conservation and sustainability, and she looks forward to serving the community in this ESC role. She enjoys running, plays alto saxophone in the Hilliard Community Band, and enjoys experiencing the Hilliard area with her husband, two daughters and two dogs.

Cynthia Vermillion began her first term on Hilliard City Council in January 2020.

She believes effective local government agencies must take steps to involve community residents, seeking their ideas and input, and that bold steps are often necessary for the betterment of a community.

Cynthia is a first-generation American who was raised in San Diego, Calif., by parents who taught her the importance of hard work. Her father started a small wrought iron furniture manufacturing plant in Tijuana, Mexico, while her mother stayed home to take care of her and her three older siblings.

In 2004, Cynthia, her husband, and four children – Rebekah, Sarah, Christian and Madeline – relocated to Hilliard.

In 2014, she and her husband became involved with a group that fed the homeless of Columbus every week. In 2015, they were asked to lead this activity, which they did on a bi-weekly basis for almost 2 1/2 years, serving up homemade meals and gathering donations of blankets, clothing, and other supplies. She believes this service has been one of the most rewarding and eye-opening experiences of her life.

Cynthia received her bachelor of science degree in telecommunications and film from San Diego State University. She works for Coldwell Banker King Thompson as a licensed real estate agent.

She serves as chair of Progress Hilliard, a local progressive group, and is vice president of PFLAG (Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays) Columbus. She has been a member of Columbus Board of Realtors since 2015.

Cynthia Vermillion is currently City Council President.

Cynthia’s term runs through December 2027.

James is a long time native of central Ohio. He received his Bachelors of Science from the Ohio State University and works as a Medical Technologist at Nationwide Children’s Hospital. His interest in conservation and sustainability grew and matured through the pursuit of outdoor recreation. He has a modest, yet extensive, resume in the areas of backpacking, canoeing, rock climbing and Nordic skiing. Having hung up his climbing rope several years ago, you are more likely to see James casting flies for trout on the Mad River, or for largemouth bass at Prairie Oaks Metro Park. His efforts at reducing plastic and Styrofoam waste at work lead him to the ESC and Keep Hilliard Beautiful. James endeavors to find new ways at home to reduce waste and diminish his carbon footprint.

Greg has resided in Hilliard with his wife Cheryl and children Sean and Michaela since 1991, and joined the Environmental Sustainability Commission (ESC) in December of 2012. He is currently a senior program manager at the Great Lakes Environmental Center in Columbus with over 30 years of experience with water quality issues, including the development of water quality criteria for the protection of aquatic life. Previous employment included Battelle Memorial Institute and Oklahoma State University, where he received a Ph.D. in aquatic toxicology. His early interest in the environmental sciences first developed as a teenager while fishing, crabbing and exploring the beaches and saltwater marshes along the Jersey shore.

J. Gregory Smith has practiced environmental law for more than 28 years in the public and private sectors. Smith moved to Hilliard with his family in 2017. He and his wife, Amy, have three children, all graduates of Hilliard Davidson High School. They love the outdoors and enjoy hiking, cycling, kayaking, and working in their vegetable and perennial gardens.

A new member to the Commission, Chris is an attorney for Calfee, Halter & Griswold LLP practicing environmental, health and safety law. Over the past two decades, Chris has helped his clients work with state and local agencies to encourage sustainability and environmental stewardship throughout the State of Ohio. Now, Chris hopes to bring his legal experience and passion for the environment to the Commission and his local community. An active resident of Hilliard since 2004, Chris loves to explore Hilliard’s parks, trails, and restaurants with his two teenagers, Leo and Jack

Maggie is passionate about building a resilient world for her family and community. Maggie is proud to be a part of the Lal Carbon Center at the Ohio State University in the College of Food, Agriculture, and Environmental Sciences. She’s interested in strengthening food sustainability through gardening and education, as well as creating connections with others through art. She loves sculpting with clay and heading out into HIlliard’s beautiful bicycling trails with her husband and two kids.