Welcome Remarks

Mary Mertz serves as director of the Ohio Department of Natural Resources. Governor Mike DeWine appointed her to this post in January 2019. In this role, Mertz leads and oversees 11 divisions that manage Ohio’s state parks, preserves, and forests; analyze and report on geologic and water resources; protect and improve the Lake Erie coastline; conserve and manage Ohio’s fish and wildlife; and regulate oil, gas, and mining industries. 

Mertz has been instrumental in advancing Governor DeWine’s initiatives in the H2Ohio water quality program by launching an ambitious effort to  restore and create wetlands in key locations across Ohio, focusing on the Lake Erie watershed. She has also led efforts to conserve and protect important land areas for both recreational opportunities and preservation of rare species.

A lawyer with experience in both the public and private sectors, Mertz  served as First Assistant Attorney General during Mike DeWine’s entire tenure in the Ohio Attorney General’s Office. She has served in many  other government posts as well. Mertz earned her undergraduate degree  at American University, a master’s degree at George Washington

University and her juris doctorate at The Ohio State Moritz College of Law.  In her free time she enjoys sailing, hiking and exploring Ohio’s great  outdoors.