The Mecklenburg Soil and Water Conservation District (MSWCD) is a part of the Natural Resource Conservation Service, which is a division of the United States Department of Agriculture. The district is comprised of five board members (three elected and two appointed) and three staff members.

The Board usually meets at 6:00 PM on the Fourth Tuesday of every month.  The meetings are open to the public.  Call 704-336-2455 for information. 

Gray Newman, Chairman, 
Elected Board Supervisor
gnewman@harris-engr.com

How long have you been with the District?  I was elected to the board in the 2002.

Why did you decide to run for the Board of Supervisors?  I was looking for a way to give back to the community that I grew up in. I have been interested in environmental issues for quite a few years and this looked like an ideal position to further my interests.

Where do you see the District in five years?  I would like to see the district take a more active role in urban conservation. I would also like to expand on our outreach in the local schools.

What do you hope to accomplish as a member of the Board of MSWCD?  I hope that I am able to expand the public awareness of this office, to show the public what we do as a board and to also increase my knowledge of conservation issues so that I can be a better board member.

Personal information: I moved to Mecklenburg County in 1967, graduate of Independence High School and UNC-Charlotte. I am married to Thea Mayne and have a lovely daughter, Merilee and a wonderful son, William. I attend St. Martin's Episcopal Church.

Hobbies/Interests: Family History, Scouts, Sports, and Community Activism.

Jennifer Krupowicz, Vice Chair, Elected Board Supervisor
 jkrupowicz@ci.charlotte.nc.us

(No Photo Available)

How long have you been with the District:  Employed August 2000-June 2002, Associate Supervisor from February 2003 through November 2004 and elected to the board in 2004.

Why did you decide to run for the Board of Supervisors?  I felt that my background of being a District employee could be useful to the Board. I also have a strong commitment to the education of our citizens so that they can make informed choices about our natural resources.

Where do you see the District in five years?  I see the District moving away from its agricultural focus. While it's important to use the lessons learned from our agricultural history, it is important to change with the shift in land uses. The District can be a key player in providing current and technical information to citizens regarding our natural resources. People want to be responsible stewards of our environment; the District can provide them with the knowledge so they are successful.

What do you hope to accomplish as a member of the Board of MSWCD?  I hope to bring a unique perspective to the board by being a former employee. I hope to contribute meaningfully to the development of educational programs for Mecklenburg County citizens.

Personal information:  I am a Certified Associate Professional Soil Scientist. I am also a graduate of Virginia Tech. Go Hokies!

John Autry,
Elected Board Supervisor
swcd@johnautry.net

I was elected to the board in the 2006.

Conservation of our natural resources is everyone's business. It is also every citizen's responsibility.  All of us live downstream from someone.

I decided to run for the Board of Supervisors because I wanted to coordinate efforts between residents, agencies and business to protect our environment.

As a filmmaker who works in eLearning there seemed to be a synergy between my skill sets and where the position could be headed.  Extending the outreach to schools and community groups is my main goal.  Working to develop and create ways to better engage the public. As conservation challenges in Mecklenburg County assume an urban face we need to be prepared to protect our natural resources and that can start at home and extend into our neighborhoods and businesses. We need long range plans. I wish to play a part in making this community a better place to leave behind for my children and grandchildren.

I have been a resident of Mecklenburg County since 1982, and I am a native North Carolinian.

My interest in conservation concerns goes back to my years in Scouting. 

Mary Kay Murray, Treasurer/ Secretary, Appointed Supervisor 
Jmkmurray@aol.com

Biography to Come

Marcus.I.williams@gmail.com

How long have you been with the District?  I am new to the board, and I was officially sworn in on May 18, 2007.

Why did you decide to become a part of the Board of Supervisors?  My volunteer and professional work in the areas of sustainability led me to want to get more involved locally.

Where do you see the District in five years?  In five years, I would like to see Mecklenburg Soil and Water Conservation District well-known among the residents of Mecklenburg County.  We have the opportunity to improve the quality of our neighborhoods and public places in ways that are sustainable, and add value to the city as a whole.

What do you hope to accomplish as a member of the Board of MSWCD?  As an educator/ administrator, I hope to increase effectiveness and utilization of the Urban Cost Share Program.

Personal information: I am from High Point, NC originally.  I am a graduate of Davidson College.  I am a Financial Advisor who deals with Socially Responsible investing.  I am a member of United Way's Economic Independence Council.

Hobbies/Interests: My hobbies include art (especially painting), live music, and museum events.  My interests include energy efficiency, sustainability, and cinema.