Marissa Dillon

Agronomy Expert & Conservation Advocate:  Marissa Dillon lives in Chippewa Township with her husband Justin and their two daughters, Kate (6) and Elizabeth (2). On their 13-acre hobby farm, they raise goats and grow grass hay and soybeans.

With over a decade of experience as a retail agronomist and now serving as Area Sales Manager at Centerra Co-op, Marissa brings practical knowledge and leadership in agronomy, feed, grain, and energy. She has advised on a wide range of crops across northeast Ohio and has helped implement conservation practices such as no-till and strip-till systems, cover crops, buffer strips, nutrient management, and integrated pest management.

A Certified Crop Advisor and Penn State Ag Alumni Society Board Member, Marissa is deeply committed to soil and water conservation. Her hands-on approach and collaborative spirit make her a strong candidate to serve the Wayne SWCD Board of Supervisors.

Tate Emerson

Sustainability Advocate & Community Leader:  Tate Emerson lives in Killbuck Township with his wife Krista and their three children—Lyla, Griffin, and Decker. Tate grew up on a fourth-generation Wayne County dairy farmer and is a passionate advocate for sustainable agriculture and energy, Tate has devoted his life to protecting soil and water health for future generations.

He serves as Executive Director of the Killbuck Watershed Land Trust, where he works closely with landowners across Wayne County to safeguard farmland from development and advance conservation practices. Under his leadership, the Land Trust has restored nearly 600 acres of wetland, forest, and prairie in Holmes County in partnership with diverse local, state, and federal organizations.

Tate’s collaborative approach extends through his active involvement in groups such as the Ag Success Team, American Farmland Trust, National Agricultural Land Network, LEED, Wayne County Sustainable Energy Network, Local Roots, and the American Society of Mechanical Engineers. His deep commitment to environmental stewardship and agricultural innovation is grounded in community resilience, especially in light of climate volatility and shifting populations.

Through teamwork and vision, Tate works every day to ensure that Ohio’s land and water remain a thriving legacy for generations to come.

Matt Falb

Baughman Township Farmer & Conservation Advocate:  Matt Falb, alongside his wife Beth and their two children, Evan and Ella, operates an 80-acre farm in Baughman Township where dedication to stewardship and sustainability runs deep. His operation includes a full-cycle beef cattle enterprise—cow/calf through finish—and a robust mix of crops including mixed grass-legume hay, corn, and annual forages.

Since 2011, Matt’s crops have been certified organic, a testament to his commitment to ecologically sound farming. His conservation toolbox is rich: diverse cover crop mixes, managed intensive grazing, silvopasture, waterways, and integrating livestock into cropland—each practice improving soil health and enhancing resilience against extreme weather.

A member of the Farm Bureau and Oak Grove Mennonite Church, Matt exemplifies the blend of agricultural innovation and community values. His farm isn’t just about growing food—it’s about growing futures rooted in care for the land and those who depend on it.

Tom White

Dedicated Conservationist:  Tom White is a lifelong advocate for conservation and community service, currently residing in Canaan Township with his wife, Sandy. Together, they’ve raised two children—Will and Katie—instilling in them the values of stewardship and service.

Tom’s roots run deep in Ohio soil, having grown up in Guernsey County on a fifth-generation family farm. His agricultural expertise and passion for land conservation continue today through his work maintaining a pond and overseeing the pollinator garden at the Wayne County Fairgrounds. He also collaborates with master gardeners at Secrest Arboretum, supporting sustainable practices and educational outreach.

Professionally, Tom dedicated 24 years to Quality Farm and Fleet before owning RKO and serving nationally as a Sales Manager with ConAgra Animal Health. His leadership and commitment to civic engagement are reflected in his roles with numerous organizations, including the Wayne Presbyterian Church, the Wayne County Fair Board, the OSU Master Gardeners, and the Wooster Chamber of Commerce. He also served as President of Habitat for Humanity, demonstrating his ongoing commitment to community development.

Tom earned his Bachelor of Arts from Ohio University and continues to be a cornerstone of the Wayne County agricultural and civic community.