Vicki Kauffman, Executive Director
Vicki Kauffman was hired as Owl Creek Conservancy's first Executive Director in 2022 after serving as a consultant to the board for the previous nineteen years. In her 4 years as director, she has spearheaded efforts to protect 10 properties, totaling over 750 acres. A graduate of Central Ohio Technical College, she is a life-long resident of Knox County and she and her husband of 31 years raised their two children here in Knox County. In her spare time is she is an avid non-fiction reader, enjoys gardening, and relaxing on their pontoon boat, while she also delights in the care of their chickens and dogs. She loves a good home- improvement project, as well as refinishing old furniture.
Emily Heithaus, Project Manager
Emily Heithaus was hired in November 2025 as Project Manager at Owl Creek Conservancy. Her role includes coordinating new easement projects, management of current easements, outreach and collaboration with community partners, fundraising, and management of other processes that lead to the permanent protection of land in Knox County. A graduate of Muskingum University and The Ohio State University, her educational background is in the natural sciences, with professional experience in outdoor education and systems thinking theory. A resident of Knox County for over 25 years, Heithaus lives in Harrison Township with her husband David, son Calvin, and their four (yes, four) dogs. When not in the office, you can find her- or more likely not find her- trail running, hiking, backpacking, or generally roaming around the outdoors.
Linda Gehrisch, Donor Relations Specialist
Linda Gehrisch began work with Owl Creek Conservancy in September 2026 as the Donor Relations Specialist. She is enthused about being a part of conserving land in Knox County. Linda enjoys being outside working in her flower and vegetable beds, as well as cultivating a nice yard. When not working in her yard, working out at the YMCA or enjoying the ever-changing trees and flowers and deer sightings on the bike path, much of her leisure time is spent reading. Linda is a graduate of North Central State College and Mount Vernon Nazarene University. Her background is in the fields of social service, business, and legal. Originally from Crawford County, Linda has lived most of her life in Knox County. She is the proud mother of two children, Richard and Jacqueline, and five grandchildren. Family time is cherished and she looks forward to their extended family vacation every year at Camp Luther, which is beautifully situated on Lake Erie and acres of woods and green space.
