New trustee Jill Beckett-Hill says Plain Township in 'great position right now'

Jill Beckett-Hill said she has brought her communication skills and knowledge of real estate to the Plain Township board of trustees.

Beckett-Hill was sworn in July 28 as the newest member of the three-panel board, replacing Dave Olmstead, who retired.

A native of Findlay and a graduate of Ohio State University, Beckett-Hill is a real-estate agent for Beckett Realty Group, with which she has 24 years of experience, in northwest Columbus.

Having lived in Plain Township for 21 years, she said, she brings a strong sense of community to the board.

From 2010 to 2019, she was a member of the Jeanne B. McCoy Community Center for the Arts and served as board chairperson for three years.

“It was really a collaborative environment, and it was really fulfilling because we were bringing arts to the community and schools,” she said.

Beckett-Hill, 53, and her husband, Adam Hill, have two adult children, Sam, 24, and Sydney, 21.

She said she wanted to make sure her children were grown before she began serving in public office.

“It was just perfect timing,” she said.

The term expires Dec. 31, 2023, and she plans to run for election.

“I am committing to serving this community and, hopefully, will be reelected for years to come,” she said.

She said she doesn’t see one particular issue facing the township but will keep a close eye on maintenance of adequate safety forces.

“I feel the township is in a great position right now,” she said. “There’s a lot of collaboration right now.”

Beckett-Hill joins trustees Dave Ferguson and Kerri Mollard.

She was appointed July 20 from a field of seven candidates and sworn in July 28.

Olmstead first was elected in 2009 and began his term Jan. 1, 2010. He retired from the board effective June 30.

Mollard said Beckett-Hill is an accomplished professional with years of demonstrated commitment to the community.

“Jill is a servant leader, and I look forward to meeting the needs of the township with her as a partner,” Mollard said.

gseman@thisweeknews.com

@ThisWeekGary

This article originally appeared on ThisWeek: Meet new Plain Township trustee Jill Beckett-Hill