Board of Commissioners
The Board of County Commissioners is the policy making and legislative body of this County. It is the County government's taxing, budgeting, appropriating and purchasing authority and holds title to County property. The Board is also responsible for hearing and ruling on annexations, approving drainage improvements through the petition ditch process, and making improvements and providing for solid waste disposal.
Dana Phipps
Dana Phipps was elected Commissioner for the term commencing March 8, 2022. Mr. Phipps graduated from Ayersville High School in 1993. After that, he attended Defiance College, majoring in Criminal Justice. Dana has spent most of his adult life working in public service. He was a firefighter/EMT for the Highland Township Fire Department for 10 years, rising to the rank of captain. He joined the Defiance County Sheriff's Office in 2001 as an Associate Deputy until 2006, when he was hired as a Road Patrol/DARE Officer until 2022. Born and raised in Defiance County, Dana values his time with his wife, Kim, and their two children, Dillon and Brookelyn.
Mick Pocratsky
Mick Pocratsky was elected Commissioner for the term commencing January 2, 2017. Mr. Pocratsky graduated from Hicksville High School and also Defiance College with a degree in Criminal Justice. Prior to becoming Commissioner, Mick worked for Defiance County Juvenile Probation for 27 years, serving as Chief for five years. He also served on the Hicksville Village Council for 20 years, holding the President's seat for two years, and also served on the Parks Board for six years. Mick and his wife, Pam, are members of Cornerstone Church and reside in Hicksville. They have two adult children, Matthew and Toni. They have one grandson and three granddaughters.
Matthew Koester
Matthew Koester was appointed on and sworn in on December 11th, 2025. He was raised in Defiance County, and returned in 2017 after missing the community, family, and Defiance County environment. Graduating from Defiance High School in 2004 and graduating with his MBA from The University of Toledo in 2009.
Matthew led a career of Supply Chain management, Operations Management, scheduling and SIOP in the private sector for large corporations and privately owned enterprises. Matthew is a lifelong problem-solver, community advocate, and hands-on builder of both business and land. With a background in manufacturing leadership and strategic operations, he brings a results-driven yet people-focused approach to every challenge.
Matthew’s career has been defined by his commitment to improvement. He’s led teams through complex changes, pushed for better communication and accountability, and built systems that work for people, not against them. His transition toward public service and local agriculture reflects a shared vision: empowering community through action, fostering responsible growth, and ensuring that tomorrow is better than today.
Matthew enjoys spending time with his wife Chelsea, and his three children Sam, Jace, and Charles.
The Board of Commissioners has direct oversight of several departments including:
- Building and Grounds/Facilities – Maintenance
- Courthouse
- Courthouse Annex
- Commissioner’s Annex
- Defiance County East
- Evergreen Lane Office Complex
- Key Bank
- Sheriff / 911
- Sarah's House
- EMA Building
- Senior Centers in both Hicksville and Defiance
- Child Support Enforcement Agency
- Dog Warden
- Environmental and Administrative Services
- Family & Children First/Help Me Grow
- Job & Family Services
- Landfill
- Public Safety Services
- Records Center
- Senior Services
- Wastewater Operations
Sessions & Meetings
Regular Sessions
Regular Sessions are held every Monday and Thursday.
Special Sessions
Special Sessions may be held as needed.
Meetings
Meetings are conducted in the Commissioners' Conference Room located at 25600 Elliott Rd. Defiance, OH 43512.
The Board of County Commissioners will attempt to provide reasonable accommodations for any disabled person. Requests for special accommodations shall be made to the Office of the County Commissioners twenty-four (24) hours prior to the time such accommodations are required.
If a meeting is scheduled with the Commissioners, information on the topic to be discussed must be provided to the Commissioners' Clerk five (5) to seven (7) days prior to the meeting.
The Commissioners appoint department heads for those offices reporting directly to them, and also appoint members to a variety of boards and commissions. Commissioners serve directly on some boards such as the Board of Revision, County Records Commission, and the Planning Commission.
County Administrator
Sherry Carnahan
The primary objective of this position, under the general direction of the Board of County Commissioners, is to oversee the general operations of Defiance County to include implementing the policies of the Board of County Commissioners. Duties include assisting the Board in preparing, administering, and monitoring operational appropriations budget; organizing and directing overall activities of departments under the jurisdiction of the Board of Commissioners; establishing and monitoring policies, practices and programs; and serve as an official County representative to provide information and act as a liaison between the Board of Commissioners, elected officials, department heads, employees and the public.
Sherry has worked for Defiance County since 1994. She worked two years for the Environmental Services Office and began working in the Commissioner's Office in 1996 as the Fiscal Deputy Clerk. In May of 2013 she was promoted to the Finance Manager/Administrator's position. She is a graduate of Northwest State Community College. Sherry and her husband Keith have two children, Shawn and Lizzy (Scott), and two grandsons, Auden and Benson.