Cuyahoga SWCD 2026 Board of Supervisors Election
CUYAHOGA SWCD 2026 BOARD OF SUPERVISORS ELECTION
Cuyahoga Soil & Water Conservation District’s Board of Supervisors are elected public officials tasked with helping shape and direct the Cuyahoga County’s conservation priorities. Five (5) supervisors serve on the board, each serving a three-year term. Annual elections are held for open positions and Cuyahoga residents and landowners over 18 years of age are eligible to vote in the elections.
The 2026 Board of Supervisors election will be open from September 30th through October 29th, 2026.
2026 Board of Supervisors Candidates:
- Caroline Kelemen
- Michael Jirousek
- Lara Roketenetz
HOW TO VOTE:
There are three ways an eligible voter can cast a ballot:
- IN-PERSON
At the Cuyahoga SWCD office (3311 Perkins Ave., Suite 100 Cleveland, Ohio 44114), from 9/30/2026 until 10/29/2026 during normal business hours (8:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.); or - ABSENTEE
Request an absentee ballot application and election ballot from 9/30/2026 until 10/23/2026, by visiting the Cuyahoga SWCD office (3311 Perkins Ave., Suite 100, Cleveland, Ohio 44114), by calling 216-503-0719, or emailing [email protected]. Absentee ballots must be received by Cuyahoga SWCD’s office by 10/28/2026 to be counted toward the election; or - AT CUYAHOGA SWCD’S STORMWATER RUNOFF (10/4) or ANNUAL MEETING (10/29)
Join us at the 2026 Stormwater Run-Off on 10/4/26 (Clark Field Park, Cleveland) from 8:30am-10:00am or at Cuyahoga SWCD’s 2026 Annual Centro Villa (3140 W 25th Street, Cleveland, Ohio 44109) on 10/29/2026 from 3:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.
Two supervisors will be elected to a three‐year term commencing January 1, 2027, and ending December 31, 2029.
MEET THE CANDIDATES:
MIKE JIROUSEK
Mike Jirousek is a career environmental professional and has served on the Cuyahoga SWCD Board for four years, the past two as the Board Chair. In that time, Mike has been very impressed with the energy and dedication of the staff as we celebrated 75 years and continue to grow our services. A life-long resident of NE Ohio, Mike received his undergrad degree from John Carroll University and a MS in Environmental Management from the University of Findlay. Most recently, he was Manager of Environmental for FirstEnergy, managing the air and water compliance efforts for their fleet of 26 power plants. Mike would appreciate your vote so he can continue to use his managerial and environmental experience for the benefit of the Cuyahoga Soil & Water Conservation District and the residents of Cuyahoga County.
CAROLINE KELEMEN
Caroline Kelemen, PE, is a construction engineer recognized as a Purdue University Agricultural and Biological Engineering Outstanding Alumna. Caroline brings deep technical expertise encompassing major regional initiatives including stormwater master planning, the Irishtown Bend Stabilization, the Lakeview Cemetery Dam Renovation, and numerous storm, sanitary and water main projects.
On the Cuyahoga SWCD Board since 2019, Caroline has delivered steady leadership through major executive and operational transitions. Looking ahead, they are committed to driving pragmatic, innovative solutions—applying technical rigor and visionary governance to adapt to shifting weather patterns, modernize district operations, and safeguard our local natural resources for future generations.
LARA ROKETENETZ
Lara Roketenetz, Ph.D., has lived in Northeast Ohio for 30 years. She has an undergraduate biology degree at Case Western Reserve University. Lara has graduate degrees from John Carroll University (MS in Biology), The University of Akron (Ph.D. in Integrated Bioscience), and Cleveland State University (Certificate in Non-profit Management). She has worked in industry as an environmental consultant and at a non-profit as a natural resource manager. Lara now serves as the Director of the University of Akron Field Station, where she is responsible for overseeing education, community outreach, and research. She is passionate about our amazing natural resources!
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