Cassi Newton

Cassi grew up in Wheeler County on a farm in the Kahler Creek Watershed and has a deep love for the rural Lower John Day Basin. She joined the Wheeler Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) in late 2019 as the Office Manager, bringing a background in business operations and accounting. In 2023, she accepted the role of District Manager. Her eagerness to learn and resourcefulness have been key to her rapid gain of knowledge regarding natural resources and conservation. Cassi has led the Wheeler SWCD in playing a critical role in wildfire response and recovery during the 2024 and 2026 extreme seasons while actively working on mitigation/resiliency efforts through restoration projects. When not assisting landowners and teaching kids in her role at the SWCD, or volunteering as a firefighter/EMT, she can be found exploring the outdoors with her young daughter.