Delaware County Commissioners’ Office 

Benton’s career includes more than 35 years as a business executive in financial services and other industries. After graduating from Miami University with a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Accounting, he passed the Certified Public Accountant (CPA) exam on his initial attempt. He then joined Arthur Andersen and Company as an In-Charge Accountant, before moving to Wendy’s International in several finance and accounting roles. Benton worked in the banking industry for 30 years in executive positions with three different banks.

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Barb assumed office on January 1, 2015, following seven years’ public service as a Genoa Township Trustee, and was re-elected in November 2018 and to a third four-year term in November 2022. Her fellow Commissioners elected her President of the Board in 2016, 2019, 2022 and 2025, and Vice-President of the Board in 2015, 2021 and 2024.

Commissioner Lewis earned her Ph.D., M.A. and B.A. degrees in political science from The Ohio State University, where she taught hundreds of OSU students the fundamentals and ideals of American constitutional government.

Commissioner Lewis emphasizes government efficiency, citizen outreach, and maintaining good working relationships with all of Delaware County’s elected officials and leaders. She envisions our county as one unified, dynamic and growing community.

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Gary Merrell was elected to his first term as Delaware County Commissioner in November 2012 and assumed office on Jan. 2, 2013. In 2014, 2015, 2018 and 2021, Merrell was elected as President of the Board of Commissioners.

Prior to his election to office, Merrell has served with the Chamber of Commerce in both Athens and Delaware counties (formerly a board member and executive member) and Rotary Clubs where he has lived.

Merrell has also served as secretary of the executive committee of United Way of Delaware County, on the board of the Strand Theatre, and on the development council for the Stratford Ecological Center. He also serves on the board of the County Commissioners Association of Ohio (CCAO) and the County Risk Sharing Authority (CORSA); he has also served as a member of the Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission (MORPC) and on its executive committee. Other boards directly associated with his role as commissioner have included the 9-1-1 Board, DKMM Solid Waste District Board, and the Central Ohio Youth Center Board, to name a few. In addition, he is one of five board members for the Land Bank established in 2018.

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