John Lorson became Wayne SWCD’s District Program Administrator in 2022. The lifetime Wayne County resident worked “south of the border” in Holmes County for 14 years, previously with Holmes SWCD as a Conservation Specialist.  A graduate of The University of Akron with a bachelor’s degree in Biology, John spent the first half of his career as an engineering technician with the City of Orrville dealing with planning, zoning and storm water issues until returning to his alma mater to work as a college administrator, serving as Coordinator of the UA Millersburg Campus.  Area residents may also recognize John from his columns that have run in local newspapers each week for the past 26 years: “Rail Trail Naturalist” is an outdoors/nature/natural history column accompanied by his own photography, and “Drawing Laughter” is a family humor column illustrated by his wife, Kristin. John commutes by bicycle between work in Wooster and home in Orrville where he and Kristin raised their three children and actively parent a rescue mutt and a couple of cats. Reach John with questions, ideas or conservation concerns at 330-263-5376 or by email jlorson@wayneoh.org

Becca Schuch joined our team in May 2026. She graduated from Grace College with a B.S. in Environmental Studies and lives on her family’s grain farm in Shreve, Ohio. With a genuine passion for agriculture and natural resources, Becca is excited to partner with Wayne County producers and support their conservation goals. When she’s not out in the field, she enjoys spending time with family and friends and playing frisbee with her dog, Huckleberry. You can connect with Becca at rschuch@wayneohio.org.

Kathy has been employed since 2015 assisting applicants with the Construction Application for Permit (CAP) process. She strives to have a welcoming atmosphere in the office when people stop in. Kathy is from Carroll County where she grew up on her Grandparents’ dairy farm. Always having a love of nature and the environment, the Soil and Water world has been a great experience! At home she likes to spend time in her flower gardens and has been adding native plants each year which brings more pollinators to enjoy. Leisure time is spent with family, friends and pets. Most vacation time is spent in National and State parks enjoying the natural beauty.

Kelly joined Wayne Soil & Water Conservation District in May 2003, bringing with her a strong background in education. Before joining Wayne SWCD, she was employed by the Tri-County Educational Service Center (ESC) and worked at Mapleton Middle School. Kelly earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in Education from the University of Akron and later attended graduate school at Ashland University.  A proud Wayne County native, Kelly was born and raised in the area and continues to call Wayne County home.

She has served as the Education Specialist at Wayne SWCD since 2003 and has enjoyed the incredible variety of programs and opportunities that conservation education and outreach have provided over the years. Her work has included hosting educational events and workshops, coordinating the recycling team at the Wayne County Fair, bringing conservation programs into local schools, writing articles, and creating promotional flyers, displays, and other educational materials. She especially enjoys meeting and talking with conservation-minded people and finding new ways to connect people with the natural world. Outside of work, Kelly enjoys competing at horse shows and spending time outdoors. She and her husband own and operate a private performance horse farm, where horses are a big part of their lives.Kelly enjoys just about anything that gets her outside—especially in the summer! Winter, however, is another story. When it’s cold, she’s much happier dreaming about warmer days!  Kelly can be reached by calling the office at (330)-263-5376 or by email at kriley@wayneohio.org

Ricky joined Wayne SWCD in 2022 as the Water Resources Specialist. He grew up  in Wadsworth, Ohio, and then attended the College of Wooster where  he graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Environmental Geoscience and a minor in Economics. Ricky developed a passion for the outdoors and conservation during his years in school. He enjoys working in a position where he can continue to pursue these interests as a part of his career. In his free time Ricky enjoys going on hikes, fishing, hanging out  with friends, and playing with his pets. Ricky can be contacted at 330-263-5376 or rpapay@wayneohio.org.

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We welcomed Ruthanne Bandy to our staff in 2026 as the Administrative Assistant. Ruthanne was born in Texas, grew up in Loudonville, attended college in Boston, studied abroad in Spain and Costa Rica, and worked on a farm outside of Columbus before moving to Wooster in 2022. Ruthanne enjoys collecting new hobbies and spending time with her cat, Ninja, and her dog, Suki. Ruthanne is available via email at rbandy@wayneohio.org.

We welcomed Zoey Dudte as our Nutrient Management Technician in August. Zoey graduated from Ohio State ATI with a degree in Agricultural Communications. Zoey is originally from Wooster and graduated from Northwestern where she was active in FFA. She enjoys spending time with family, friends, and her Corgi Dixie. Zoey enjoys baking and operating her own business, The Baking Barn as well. She enjoys learning more about different aspects of the agricultural industry and meeting new people.