LICKING REGIONAL WATER DISTRICT
OUR LEADERSHIP
Transparency and accountability are central to the Licking Regional Water District’s commitment to serving our community. That commitment starts with the leadership of the Board of Trustees, who bring a wide range of experience and insight to guide the district’s operations and long-term planning. Each trustee plays an essential role in ensuring the reliable delivery of clean, safe water and in maintaining the public’s trust.
Meet the Licking Regional Water District Board of Trustees:
Trent Stepp
President
Trent Stepp is president of the Licking Regional Water District Board of Trustees, and is the Etna Township appointee. He was first appointed to the board in December 2020 and reappointed in July 2023, bringing more than 20 years of experience in operations management, strategic planning and infrastructure development.
Stepp previously chaired both the Etna Township Zoning Commission and the Board of Zoning Appeals, where he helped guide community planning efforts during a period of rapid regional growth over his 20 years of service. As board president since January 2025, he has led major initiatives including the development of a new wastewater treatment plant in Etna Township and the expansion of water and sewer services along the SR 161 and US 70 corridors.
A certified Project Management Professional, Stepp is a senior operations director and principal at an international consulting firm. His term runs through 2026.
Melissa Carter
Vice President
Melissa Carter is vice president of the Licking Regional Water District Board of Trustees, representing the city of Pataskala. She was appointed in December 2022 and brings nearly a decade of experience in local government.
Carter previously served on Pataskala City Council for nine years, where she played a role in advancing community projects including the Taylor Road Trail, improved police compensation and new citywide design standards.
A U.S. Air Force veteran, Carter is also an administrative assistant to the principal at Licking Heights High School, where she supports anti-violence and Bully Free programs. Her term runs through 2025.
Steve Clegg
Secretary
Steve Clegg is secretary of the Licking Regional Water District Board of Trustees. Appointed by Harrison Township, he brings extensive experience in labor policy, public administration and higher education.
Clegg has led the Wage and Hour Administration section at the Ohio Department of Commerce since 2011, overseeing enforcement of labor laws related to minimum wage, overtime, prevailing wage and youth employment. He also served as president of the Interstate Labor Standards Association, representing labor officials in the United States, Canada and Taiwan.
Clegg began his public service career as a legislative aide in the Ohio House of Representatives and later worked at Columbus State Community College managing off-campus education programs. His term runs through 2029.
Scott Davis
Treasurer
Scott Davis is treasurer of the Licking Regional Water District Board of Trustees. He was appointed by Jersey Township and brings nearly 30 years of public service experience.
Davis is assistant fire chief for the Mifflin Township Division of Fire, where he has served for more than two decades. He has also been involved in local land-use planning through the Jersey Township Zoning Board.
Davis is a graduate of Licking Heights High School and earned an associate degree in fire science from Columbus State Community College. His term runs through 2029.
Paul Leist
At-Large
Paul Leist is the at-large member of the Licking Regional Water District Board of Trustees. A certified professional geologist, he brings more than 20 years of experience in environmental and geological consulting.
Leist is president of Buckeye Mineral Services Inc., where he has prepared more than 100 mining permits in Ohio. He is recognized for his expertise in hydrologic assessments and the environmental impacts of surface mining.
He holds a degree in geology from Bowling Green State University. His term runs through 2027.
Transparency and accountability are at the core of the Licking Regional Water District’s commitment to serving our community. Our Board of Trustees meets regularly to discuss important decisions that shape the future of our water services. Here, you’ll find official meeting minutes, providing a clear record of discussions, decisions, and actions taken. We encourage residents and stakeholders to review these documents to stay informed and engaged with the district’s operations.