Township Trustees

Karen McCleary believes in giving back to her community.  She was a River Valley and TriRivers School Board member for 12 years. Karen enjoys being a Marion Township Trustee and was just re-elected for her 4th term, citing that the Trustees have a lot of projects started that she hopes to see to completion. She has overseen the Township Road Department and various paving projects, monitored the Township’s 2 closed cemeteries, remains active with Zoning Boards and has been instrumental in ridding the Township of dilapidated buildings and homes.  Her conservative approach helps stretch Township dollars by seeking out grant opportunities whenever possible.  Karen participates with many community boards such as Marion County Regional Planning, EMA Board, Health Department District Advisory Council and is currently President of the Marion County Township Association.  As a Registered Nurse, she is also active with the TriRivers Advisory boards for the Nursing programs and the Paramedic Public Safety Services program.  Karen has volunteered with the Medical Reserve Corps via Marion Public Health at more than 40 shot clinics, to distribute Covid-19 vaccines to the public. 

Larry Ballinger is a retired business owner and has been a resident of Marion Township for 47 years.  He is married with four children and eight grandchildren.  He was first elected as township trustee in 2016 and was re-elected in 2020.  Larry has served as chairman of the Board of Trustees twice and has worked on the fire and road departments.  

Ben and his wife reside in Marion Township.  They have two children and four grandchildren.  Ben retired from Whirlpool Corp. with over 42 years of service.  He also has an active Ohio Real Estate license.  Ben is a newly elected trustee and will be in charge of overseeing the road department.