Ohio University Board of Trustees taps Craig Butler as next regional trustee

The Ohio University Board of Trustees appointed Muskingum Watershed Conservancy District CEO Craig Butler as its next regional trustee.

Butler is a longtime leader in natural resources and the environment in Ohio. He is a former director of the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency, leading its 1,200 employees in protecting the state’s environment and developing initiatives around climate change, drinking water supply and protection, and watershed protection that became national models. He also previously led the Power Siting Board for the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio, streamlining the approval process for new power generation and overhauling the Board’s governance.

“Craig Butler’s wealth of experience will bring a unique perspective to our Board, and we look forward to his contributions as a regional trustee,” Board Chair Peggy Viehweger said.

The Muskingum Watershed Conservancy District manages the state’s largest watershed, focusing on flood prevention, conserving natural resources and promoting outdoor recreation. The watershed oversees 60,000 acres and 16 dams and reservoirs.

A Pennsylvania native, Butler has served as an advisor to the Voinovich School of Leadership and Public Service on a wide range of issues. He has a bachelor of arts in geography and environmental studies from Mansfield University in Pennsylvania and a master of science in environmental studies from Ohio University.

At President Hugh Sherman’s urging, the regional trustee position was created by the Board in 2021 to recognize the valuable contributions and insights to be gained from a regional representative. Butler replaces Misty Crosby, who resigned to take a position with the Voinovich School. The three-year term of the position expires June 30, 2024.