DEERFIELD TOWNSHIP WEBSITE - Key Persons
A DORA is a designated area approved by the Board of Trustees that allows patrons 21+ to purchase alcoholic beverages in a designated cup from permitted establishments and carry the beverages within a defined area. Establishing a DORA is another tool to help promote the township as a destination for dining, retail, and entertainment.
The Board of Trustees formally approved the establishment of the DORA at the Deerfield Township Board of Trustees Meeting on July 7, 2020. The township's application can be viewed here.
Job Titles:
- Human Resources Specialist
Job Titles:
- Service Department - Director of Public Works
Experience
Billy Highfill is a lifelong local resident and has been employed by Deerfield Township since 2006. Billy was appointed as the Public Works Project Coordinator in 2012 and promoted to Public Works Director in 2018.
Billy is responsible for a variety of Public Works tasks related to the management of Township public improvement projects and maintenance programs.
Billy holds certifications in Municipal Stormwater Inspection, Snow and Ice Control, Traffic Signs, Pavement Markings and Asphalt Pavement Preservation. Additionally, Billy has received Ohio Department of Transportation Road Scholar Certification, Ohio Department of Agriculture Commercial Applicator Certification and FEMA Emergency Management Training.
Billy represents Deerfield Township in the "Public Works Officials of Southwest Ohio", where he held the office of President in 2016 & 2017
Job Titles:
- Deputy Chief
- Chief Eisele Currently Also Serves As a Adjunct Professor at the University of Cincinnati
Chief Eisele currently also serves as a adjunct Professor at the University of Cincinnati.
Job Titles:
- Chief Administrative Officer
- Township Administrator
Experience
Eric Reiners was appointed to the position of Township Administrator by the Board of Trustees on January 1, 2017. Mr. Reiners has been with Deerfield Township since 2006, working in numerous leadership roles. He holds Master's Degree in Public Administration from Northern Kentucky University and has also earned a Bachelor of Science.
Mr. Reiners serves as the chief administrative officer under the direction of the Deerfield Township Board of Trustees. He leads and manages the daily operations of the township; providing operational and safety services for 40,000 residents. A former United States Marine, Reiners brings to the position extensive knowledge in executive level project management, and overall organizational leadership. He has successfully managed many large scale infrastructure and development projects over the years. Reiners' experience also includes budgeting, community planning, contract negotiation, and right-of way acquisition. He also serves on various boards throughout the County, including the Hamilton Township Zoning Commission Board, Warren County Transportation Improvement District Board, Warren County Area Progress Council Board, West Chester Hospital Community Advisory Board, and the Warren & Clinton County Mental Health and Recovery Services Board.
Mr. Reiners is focused on working collaboratively with all community stakeholders to deliver quality services in the most efficient and effective manner possible.
Township Administration provides leadership for the organization. By translating policy as established by the Board of Township Trustees into operating programs. Administration ensures that the Township's resources are used in the most efficient and effective means possible.
In partnership with the Fiscal Office, Administration oversees the careful allocation of the Township's financial resources to ensure that public funds are prudently used and financial practices are consistent with state and federal requirements, including Generally Accepted Accounting Principles
Job Titles:
- Stormwater Manager
- Water Manager
Experience
Jeff Thomas joined Deerfield Township as Storm Water Manager in April 2019. He will serve as the Township's liaison to the Deerfield Regional Storm Water District (District) and will oversee all stormwater management tasks performed for the District. His other duties include assisting Township residents with the stormwater concerns, ensuring compliance with the Township's Ohio EPA stormwater permit, along with the management of general construction projects and administrative functions related to the District.
Mr. Thomas has more than 20 years of experience with environmental permit review and compliance at the state and local levels, assisting landowners with their natural resource management concerns, and with the planning and implementation of water quality improvement projects. He has worked as a Resource Management Specialist for the Division of Soil and Water Conservation in the Ohio Department of Natural Resources and in a number of roles, including Director, for the Warren County Soil & Water Conservation District.
Mr. Thomas has a Bachelor's Degree in Natural Resource Management from the University of Kentucky. He is credentialed as a LEED Green Associate as well as being certified as a Professional in Storm Water Quality (CPSWQ) and as a Professional in Erosion and Sediment Control (CPESC).
Job Titles:
- Finance Director
- Finance Director for Deerfield Township
Experience
Jennifer Richardson currently serves as the Finance Director for Deerfield Township. She is responsible for the financial management of assets, income and expenses for the Township. This includes maintaining the General Ledger, overseeing payroll and preparing all year-end reports for the Township. Prior to joining Deerfield Township in 2006, Jennifer served as the Mortgage Loan Accounting Manager and a Bank Officer for Fifth Third Bank.
Jennifer obtained her Bachelor of Science degree from Xavier University and is currently an active member of the National and the Ohio Chapter of the Government Finance Officers Association.
Jennifer Highfill, Senior Finance Associate
Job Titles:
- Parks Director
- Service Department - Director of Parks & Recreation / Cemetery
Experience
Joel Smiddy was hired as Deerfield Township Parks Director in 2006. Since 2001, before his promotion, he worked as both Code Enforcement Officer and Project Manager for Deerfield Township.
Joel has a Master's in Public Administration from Northern Kentucky University, a bachelor degree in Construction Management from Northern Kentucky University and an Associate Degree in Civil Engineering Technology/Construction Management. He also is certified from Xavier University as a Project Manager. Joel is responsible for all park projects, properties and programs, and oversees all park and cemetery employees. He has an extensive background in contracting and public service.
Job Titles:
- Director of Economic Development / PIO
- Economic Development Director and Public Information Officer at 513.701.6958
- Economic Development Director for Deerfield Township
Experience
Paul Brehm is the Economic Development Director for Deerfield Township, Ohio. An economic development professional with almost 30 years of experience, he has managed award-winning programs responsible for more than $500 million in business investment and 9,000 created or retained jobs.
Paul has served on the board of directors for several local, state, regional, and national organizations including the Ohio Economic Development Association, Mid-America Economic Development Council and REDI Cincinnati. He is a member of the International Economic Development Council.
He is also an instructor for the Ohio Basic Economic Development Course, an introductory class organized by OEDA, Jobs Ohio and the International Economic Development Council for those who are new to the profession. Paul has an undergraduate degree in political science from Xavier University and a master's degree from the University of Cincinnati. He is a graduate of the University of Oklahoma Economic Development Institute.
In addition to his economic development experience, Paul is a drummer who has played with several bands and community theater groups. He lives in Greater Cincinnati with his wife of 35 years, Sherry. They have two children, Nicholas and Claire.
Job Titles:
- Planning & Zoning Director
Sam Hill begin began his role as Planning & Zoning Director in March 2017. He brings over 12 years of experience working in local government to the position where he oversees the management of the Planning & Zoning Department. Prior to Deerfield Township, Sam served as a City Planner for the City of Lebanon and as a Planner for the City of Monroe.
Sam earned a Bachelor of Urban Planning from the DAAP (Design Architecture Art and Planning) program's School of Planning at the University of Cincinnati. He has been a member of the APA (American Planning Association) since 2002.