2 new commissioners appointed to Mill Creek MetroParks board

Probate Judge Robert N. Rusu has just announced his selection of the two people to fill the upcoming vacancies on the Mill Creek MetroParks Board of Commissioners.

Come the end of the month, park commissioners Germaine Bennett and Tom Frost have decided not to be reappointed with the expiration of their term. Filling their seats will be Jim Houck and Katharine Paull, according to a Tuesday press release from Judge Rusu.

“Both Mr. Houck and Mrs. Paull have extensive ties to the community and with the park. I believe that they will be able to quickly add depth and their unique talents to the current park board and continue to move the park in a positive direction for future generations,” Rusu stated.

Houck is the owner of Houck Agency, a local marketing and public relations firm based in Youngstown. He is a graduate from The Ohio State University with a journalism degree and previously served as a board member of Friends of Fellows Riverside Garden Inc. In addition, he currently serves as treasurer for Potential Development School for Students with Autism.

Paull is a Youngstown State graduate with a master’s degree in education and was a longtime educator in the Youngstown City Schools. In addition to her volunteering at local charities such as Second Harvest Food Bank and Boy Scouts of America, she was also a volunteer on the Mill Creek Park Educational Committee.

Rusu was supported by a six-member selection committee that analyzed the 21 applications submitted for the positions before recommending Houck and Paull.

The two new park commissioners will be given the oath of office by Judge Rusu this month and will assume the duties of office at the park board meeting on Jan. 12, 2026. They will serve three-year terms.

 

Read the original article at WKBN.