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.

Pete is a member of the Hilliard City Council and its current representative to the ESC. Prior to his appointment to City Council, Pete was a member of the ESC and served as the Commission’s chair. A professional Landscape Designer, Pete has worked for Buck & Sons Landscape Service in Hilliard since the spring of 2005. Since the “environment” is his “canvas,” Pete has always taken a great interest in environmental stewardship. Pete was an original member of the Hilliard EverGreen Team, which would later become a foundational element of the ESC. In his work, Pete has a strong interest in native plant material, sustainable landscapes, and creating outdoor spaces where homeowners can reconnect with nature. Pete was born and raised in Bowling Green, Ohio. He is a proud “Domer,” having graduated from the University of Notre Dame in 2003 where he majored in Accounting. In 2006, Pete obtained his Masters Degree in Landscape Architecture from The Ohio State University. Pete lives in Hilliard with his wife Beverly and daughter Clare. He enjoys continually updating the landscaping at his home and refueling with long, large meals at Starliner Diner and many other fine dining establishments in Hilliard.

Kristen joined the Hilliard Environmental Sustainability Commission in 2014 to help fulfill her passion for serving the community and promoting environmental awareness. She works as a Proposal Manager for Resource International, Inc.—a local engineering and construction management firm where she sees first-hand ideas pertaining to green infrastructure, sustainable trends, and best management practices. She has previously served on the Board of Directors for her local homeowner’s association and also for the Society of Marketing Professional Services. She is a graduate of Ohio University with a BS in Journalism and currently lives in Hilliard with her three children, Samantha, Scott and Harper.

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.

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.

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.