As Chief, Dena Barnhouse oversees the Division of Water Resources’ efforts to manage statewide regulation of dams and levees, floodplain management, and the collection of data for water inventory and planning. 

An ODNR employee since 1999, Barnhouse is a registered professional engineer (P.E.) in Ohio with nearly 30 years of experience in the field. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Geological Engineering from the Missouri University of Science and Technology and her previous positions at the department include Acting Chief and Program Manager for the Dam Safety and Floodplain Management programs. 

A native of Missouri, Dena enjoys adopting dogs, taking flying lessons, and running 5K races.