A landscape architect who designed the Front Door Project along Jonathan Moore Pike in Columbus and later helped craft county regulations for confined feeding operations is retiring.
Today will be the last day on the job for Kris Medic as the Purdue Extension Bartholomew County educator for agriculture, natural resources and community development. She has held that role since 2013.
The published author, who has owned Groundsmith Consulting since 1999, will return to writing and private practice in semi-retirement.
Medic, who worked for the city of Columbus Parks and Recreation Department from 1991 to 1999, was a the leading contributor to the city’s landscape ordinance, along with her work on the Front Door Project.
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When Medic was hired by Purdue Extension in 2012, she was described by Extension board member Jill Harker as someone with “the tools to get the job done.”
A few years later, Medic gained a reputation as a capable arbitrator. Those skills became evident after she was named facilitator for a 13-member citizens advisory group that evaluated local livestock regulations, including those dealing with confined feeding operations.
The debate between group members who strongly advocated property rights and those most concerned about potential environmental hazards occasionally became heated and emotional, said Bartholomew County commissioner Rick Flohr, a member of the group.
“I don’t know how we would have made our recommendations without Kris,” Flohr said. “She handled everything very objectively, and made sure everyone’s opinions were heard.”
Medic’s knowledge of topics dealing with natural resources are unmatched in the community, Extension director Elisabeth Smith said.
While passionate about protecting and preserving those resources, Medic has demonstrated her ability to consider all sides of an issue and maintain a professional manner at all time, Smith said.
“(Medic) will be difficult to replace and will definitely be missed,” Flohr said.
Looking ahead, Medic said she will be dedicating more of her time to a family charitable fund that she manages, as well as spending time with aging loved ones who live at some distance.
“Writing, as well as adventure and travel with my beloved husband, are also in the mix,” Medic said.
Eventually, Medic plans to use her professional skills in service to others, she said. Medic said she will continue to support the advancement of the Purdue Extension programs.
“It’s been an honor to forward Extension’s progressive agenda for Indiana communities, to lead learning events consistent with the strategic initiatives, and to assist folks one-on-one,” Medic said. “I will remember this time fondly.”
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Birthplace: Philadelphia.
Education: Bachelor’s degree in horticulture, Purdue University, 1982; master’s degree in public horticulture, University of Delaware, 1986.
Experience: City landscaper and arborist with the Columbus Parks Department, 1991-1999; owner of Groundsmith Consulting, 1999-present; Purdue Extension Bartholomew County educator for agriculture, natural resources and community development, since 2013.
Author: “Pruning” (1995), Rodale Publishing; and “The New American Backyard” (2001), Rodale Publishing; served as a contributor to two additional published works.
Community involvement: Boy Scout leader, Central Middle School Parent Teacher Organization volunteer and Columbus Peace Fellowship.
Family: Husband, Bruce Thomason, chief technical officer at CyberMetrix, Columbus; children, Campbell Thomason and Graham Thomason.
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