Dayton, OH – The annual election of officers for the Miami Valley Regional Planning Commission’s (MVRPC) Executive Committee and Institute for Livable & Equitable Communities Steering Committee was held on Thursday, March 5, 2026 following the regular monthly meeting. Members of the committee will serve a one year term beginning April 2026 through March 2027.
Elected each year, the Executive Committee is a subset of the Board of Directors with a primary responsibility of reviewing the budget, Executive Director, and other administrative matters. It works with the Executive Director on the overall direction of the agency including budget and strategic plan.
The Executive Officers for the Executive Committee for this term are as follows:
Chairperson: Robin I. Oda, Mayor, City of Troy
First Vice-Chairperson: Richard “Dick” Gould, Commissioner, Greene County
Second Vice-Chairperson: Yvette F. Page, Mayor, City of Trotwood
Third Vice-Chairperson: Rachael Vonderhaar, Commissioner, Preble County
“As a lifelong resident of the Miami Valley and Mayor of Troy, Mrs. Oda understands regional challenges and opportunities,” said MVRPC Executive Director, Brian O. Martin. “Her leadership and regional knowledge will continue to grow the momentum of our Board of Directors especially in the Northern Miami Valley.
We also welcome City of Trotwood Mayor Yvette Page as a new officer along with returning County Commissioners Dick Gould and Rachael Vonderhaar who are beginning their second year as officers.”
The Executive Committee members for this term are as follows:
- John Agenbroad, City of Springboro
- David Litteral, City of Beavercreek
- Steve Byington, City of Oakwood
- Nancy Byrge, City of Huber Heights
- Carolyn Destefani, Sugarcreek Township
- Judy Dodge, Montgomery County
- Aaron Flatter, Darke County
- Vanessa Glotfelter, Montgomery County TID
- Richard “Dick” Gould, Greene County
- Forrest Greenwood, City of Bellbrook
- Rap Hankins, Drive Electric Dayton
- Karen Hesser, Five Rivers MetroParks
- Walt Hibner, CenterPoint Energy
- Matt Joseph, City of Dayton
- Dan Kirkpatrick, City of Fairborn
- Mack A. Knupp, Shelby County
- Chuck Letner, City of Brookville
- Brian Lunne, Washington Twp., Montgomery County
- Ted S. Mercer, Miami County
- Robin I. Oda, City of Troy
- Yvette F. Page, City of Trotwood
- Woodrow “Woody” Stroud, Greene County Transit
- Jim Vetter, City of Piqua
- Rachael Vonderhaar, Preble County
“The Executive Committee is comprised of delegates appointed from the Board of Directors with representatives selected for cities & village, townships, counties and non-governmental members,” noted Mr. Martin. “The strong leadership of the newly appointed and returning executive committee members will ensure that the agency continues to meet the needs of the communities we serve.”
The MVRPC Institute for Livable & Equitable Communities Steering Committee (ISC) is a leadership board comprised of representatives from MVRPC member organizations or Institute funders who provide oversight, guidance and advisory leadership to accomplish the mission and vision for the MVRPC Institute for Livable & Equitable Communities. Current initiatives include the Regional Equity and Age-Friendly Initiatives.
Executive Director of Centerville-Washington Park District, Kristen Marks will serve as the ISC Chairperson. “Kristen Marks brings thoughtful, responsive, and collaborative leadership as the new Chair of the Institute Steering Committee. Her public service has included over 20 years with the Centerville-Washington Park District and more recently as the executive director,” stated Martin.
The following leaders were elected to the Institute for Livable & Equitable Communities Steering Committee:
- Nancy Byrge, City of Huber Heights
- Judy Dodge, Montgomery County
- Brenda Fry, City of Riverside
- Rap Hankins, Drive Electric Dayton
- Karen Hesser, Five Rivers Metro Parks
- Austin Hutchison, Village of West Alexandria
- Matt Joseph, City of Dayton
- Tom Kelley, United Way Greater Dayton Area
- Kristen Marks, Centerville-Washington Park District
- Nikol Miller, Miami Valley Urban League
- Yvette F. Page, City of Trotwood
- Mike Parks, The Dayton Foundation
- Bob Scott, City of Kettering
Established in 1964, the Miami Valley Regional Planning Commission promotes collaboration among communities, stakeholders, and residents to advance regional priorities. MVRPC is a forum and resource where the Board of Directors identifies priorities and develops public policy and collaborative strategies to improve the quality of life throughout the Miami Valley Region.
MVRPC performs planning and research functions for our Region that ensure livable and equitable communities; clean air and water; robust roadway, transit, and active transportation options; and strategic community plans that chart the course for member communities and partners. MVRPC’s geographic area includes Darke, Greene, Miami, Montgomery, Preble, Shelby, and northern Warren counties in Southwest Ohio. Learn more at mvrpc.org/our-region.
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