stephen@ohioriverway.org

Stephen Balko is an Environmental Science student at Marshall University and a U.S. Army veteran with a passion for freshwater conservation. Stephen has participated in field research focused on water quality, fisheries, habitat assessments, and aquatic macroinvertebrates throughout the Ohio River basin. Stephen hopes to build a career in environmental research and restoration.

jessica@ohioriverway.org

Jessica has over a decade of writing experience. She graduated from Northern Kentucky University with a Master's in English and is a board member of the Outdoor Writers Association of America. She’s a freelance journalist writing on topics about nature, outdoor recreation, and conservation. Jessica loves to hike and take road trips along the Ohio River Scenic Byway. Her favorite place to sit and enjoy the Ohio River is at Fernbank Park on the west side of Cincinnati.

forest@ohioriverway.org

Forest is an avid paddler and cyclist dedicated to promoting holistic wellbeing for individuals, communities, and the environment through outdoor adventure. He joined the Ohio River Way team in 2023 after serving on political campaigns, including for Congressman Morgan McGarvey and Mayor Greg Fischer, and leading programming at summer camps serving youth from 41 countries. Moved by the death of a family friend, Forest led a volunteer campaign that spurred a now-annual mental health screening for 50,000 teens in Jefferson County Public Schools. He earned a BS in Political Science from the University of Louisville, studied at the University of Oxford, and has an MSc with Distinction in Behavioral Science & Wellbeing from the London School of Economics. Forest is certified as an American Red Cross Waterfront Lifeguard, Level 1 & 2 American Canoe Association Instructor, and NOLS Wilderness First Responder.

Sarah transitioned from the U.S. Forest Service to the nonprofit sector as a way to directly assist organizations doing the work on the ground. Sarah holds a degree in Applied Geography – Environmental Analysis and a minor in English Literature from the University of Louisville. She enjoys combining her passion for public lands and community green spaces, writing, and research to help more people connect with their natural environment. Her favorite way to enjoy the Ohio River is skating along the Ohio River Greenway in New Albany, IN, where she grew up.

fmennone@fbtlaw.com

A seasoned leader with rich experience managing organizational stakeholders, Frances is recognized for strategically building ideas and developments of significance. She has a reputation for solving problems for large-scale projects that are challenging and complex and that involve numerous, often competing interests. She works tirelessly at building relationships and connecting project partners with the right entities to ensure success. Her passion runs deep and defines the way she approaches every project.

Debbie Phillips is a leader with extensive cross-sector experience in community and economic development. She previously served as CEO of Rural Action, where she led significant organizational growth. Prior to that role, Phillips served as a State Representative in the Ohio House, as the founding Executive Director of the Ohio Fair Schools Campaign and on Athens City Council. In addition to her new role with Ohio River Way, Phillips provides consulting to area nonprofits, communities and social enterprises. She lives on a small farm near Albany.