Licking County Governmental Preservation Society Board of Trustees

 

DUKE FROST, President
A Judge for the Licking County Court of Common Pleas, Domestic Relations Division. An attorney since 1998. Practiced law as a sole practitioner for 7 years prior to joining the Licking County Prosecutor’s Office in 2006 where he served as an Assistant Prosecuting Attorney in the Felony Division until his appointment as Judge in 2013. Duke was elected to his current position in November of 2014.   Judge Frost is a resident of the City of Newark and hopes that serving on the LCGPS will make a positive impact in Licking County.

 

MELISSA OWENS. Vice President
Melissa is the Executive Director of the Licking County Aging Program. A Licking County native, she attended Northridge High School and Ohio Northern University, as well as received her MBA from Mount Vernon Nazarene University. Melissa serves on the board of the Young Leaders of Licking County and is the chair of the TrueCore Federal Credit Union Supervisory Committee. Having served many non-profit organizations in her career, Melissa is passionate about preserving the history of Licking County and making a positive impact on this community.

 

PAM JONES, Secretary
Pam Jones has been employed by Licking County Government since 1998 and has served as the Deputy Clerk to the Licking County Commissioners Office since 2005.   She has dedicated hundreds of hours to reviving the historic Licking County Jail and her enthusiasm and efforts to protect and preserve the historic jail continues. She enjoys contributing her time, expertise, experience, and knowledge to help achieve the short and long-term goals of the LCGPS.

 

DOUG PRICER, Treasurer
Doug Pricer is the owner of WCLT Radio Inc.  He joined the family business on a full-time basis upon his graduation from Ohio State University in 1978.  He has served on the board of a variety of charitable and non-profit organizations.  As a lifelong resident of Licking County, he has fond memories of Newark and the downtown area and hopes to contribute to its revitalization.

 

GERRY BILLY
Bio coming soon.

 

CHET GEIGER
Chet Geiger is the retired former Director and present Fiscal Officer of the Homer Public Library, former member and chair of the Licking County Planning Commission and former President of the Licking County Governmental Preservation Society (LCGPS).  He believes that the LCGPS is a wonderful opportunity to restore and maintain Licking County’s heritage and he is excited to be a part of that effort.

 

BRIAN HAUGHT
Brian is the Museum Events Creative Director for The Works: Ohio Center for History, Art & Technology in downtown Newark. He is a lifelong resident of Licking County, a graduate of Central Ohio Technical College and had the pleasure of working at The Midland Theatre for over a decade. In addition to his role with LCGPS, Brian currently serves on the board of Mental Health America of Licking County and is thrilled to be a part of so many amazing and impactful organizations in Licking County. 

 

DEBORAH KENNEY
Deb has over 30 years of legal experience.  She has owned her private practice since 1985 which is nestled in the downtown historic district and is currently concentrating on family law matters.  She has an interest in researching paranormal activities and has investigated numerous iconic historical buildings throughout the United States.  She has a long-standing interest and commitment to the preservation and utilization of historic sites.

 

CHRIS LONG
Chris Long owns and operates LCS Auto Service in Newark and was instrumental in building, managing, and operating the “Jail of Terror” at the historic 1889 Licking County Jail from 2014-to 2018.  Chris has a passion for local history and preserving our community’s heritage and believes historic preservation is an important investment in the present and future of Licking County.

 

LISA RHODES
Lisa Rhodes is honored to be an LCGPS Trustee and believes that the renovation of Newark’s historic jail is an important component to further enhance revitalization and tourism to the downtown area. She hopes to offer her love of history and community in the effort to preserve this beautiful landmark.

 

NELSON SMITH
Nelson Smith currently serves as Chairman of the Board of The Energy Cooperative. He is the former Publisher of The Utica Herald, The Heath News, Newark Air Force Base On Target and The Pataskala Post. He is also one of the original owners of Chapel Hill Golf Course in Knox County. Nelson is actually a former resident of the Licking County Jail, having lived his teenage years in the jail’s top floor apartment with his sister Kathy and mother, Nora Smith. His mother was hired by Sheriff McElroy as Matron and Head Cook for the jail.

 

EX-OFFICIO TRUSTEES
Commissioner Timothy E. Bubb
City of Newark Mayor, Jeff Hall