Anne Benedict of the Clermont County Emergency Management Agency briefed the Board of Commissioners on Feb. 9 about recommended changes to the Local Emergency Planning Committee (LEPC).
Benedict said the LEPC approved the nomination of Gail Rose, described in the presentation as the American Red Cross external relations coordinator, to represent the first-aid discipline. Benedict also reported the resignations of Pam Havocos (the prior EMA director) and Jill Ernst (Health Collaborative), both cited as having moved on to other positions and therefore unable to continue on the LEPC.
Benedict said that, with the resignations, officer roles would shift: Chief Mark Baird of the Milford Fire Department was proposed to take the LEPC chairperson role and Ralph Linney was proposed to serve as LEPC emergency coordinator. Benedict said these recommendations were approved by the LEPC on Jan. 22, 2026 and referenced compliance language with the Ohio Revised Code in the presentation.
A commissioner moved to approve the nominations and accept the resignations as presented; the motion was seconded and the roll call recorded unanimous approval.
The board took no additional action beyond approving the appointments and accepting the resignations at the Feb. 9 meeting.