About Us

Open Road Renewables is a leading renewable energy developer focused on Utility-Scale Solar and Battery Energy Storage Systems throughout the United States. We take a community-first approach, ensuring that we maximize project benefits and keep those benefits local. Community-first means that we’re present in the community, accessible, and focused on building and maintaining trust.

Our team has succesfully permitted 7 utility-scale solar projects in Ohio and has developed dozens more throughout the Mid-Atlantic and Midwest. We know that no two projects or communities are the same, so we need to partner with host communities to learn what is important to them and how we can deliver the most beneficial project possible.

The Grange Solar Grazing Center is a proposed up to 500 MW solar agrivoltaic project in Logan County, Ohio. Grange will be located in the general vicinity of Indian Lake in portions of Bloomfield, Richland, McArthur, Washington, and Stokes Townships. Grange is a dual-use solar and grazing facility that will occupy approximately 2,570 acres if its permit is approved by the Ohio Power Siting Board. Grange will deliver over $5 million per year in tax revenue to local taxing jurisdictions and millions in donations to support long-term tornado recovery and Indian Lake-area community growth.

  • Doug Herling

    Doug is a developer experienced in project origination, land acquisition, community relations, and permitting. At Open Road, Doug manages the development of solar projects in Ohio, including the now operational 200 MW Hillcrest Solar Project and soon-to-be operational 150 MW Willowbrook Solar Project and 144 MW Clearview Solar Project. Prior to joining Open Road, Doug worked for Pioneer Green Energy, leading the development of the 300 MW Prairie Hill Wind Farm and supporting development activities on additional operating wind and solar projects. Doug holds a B.A. in Geology from Colgate University and received his MBA from the University of Texas McCombs School of Business.

    Phone: (937) 401-2748

  • Samantha Sawmiller

    Samantha grew up on a small farm in Southwest Ohio where her parents still live. She is an OIF Marine Corps Veteran. After being discharged honorably from active service, she studied at the Ohio State University and graduated with a BS in Environmental Policy. She also holds an MPA from the Voinovich School of Leadership and Public Affairs at Ohio University. Samantha has been an advocate for Ohio’s military personnel and veterans in her personal and professional life, having worked as a State Military and Veteran Liaison for a United States Senator. Samantha joined the Open Road team in 2019.

    Phone: (937) 401-0785

  • Patrick Buckley

    Patrick boasts over a decade of experience in the development and permitting of large renewable energy projects across the country. He permitted over 400MW of solar projects in Virginia over the last four years and currently manages the development of several solar projects in OH. Prior to joining Open Road, Patrick led the development of several complex wind and solar PV projects from California to Alabama while at Pioneer Green Energy. Patrick is a graduate of The University of Texas at Austin and received his MBA from Thunderbird School of Global Management.

    Phone: (937) 586-7947

  • Jason Smith

    Jason is an experienced policy, communications, and advocacy professional with over 10 years of experience in the public and private sectors in Ohio.

    Phone: (937) 641-8891

  • Dan Cech

    Dan Cech is a public affairs specialist with over 10 years of experience working for the Ohio state legislature in roles involving public/private partnerships. Dan has extensive experience in policy and data analysis, and has utilized this experience in local coalition building in areas throughout the state of Ohio. Dan joined Open Road to develop meaningful community relations and to act as a resource for local leaders and concerned citizens.

We Want to Hear From You

Connect With Us!

Like any kind of development, we’d be surprised if you didn’t have questions about solar and the project that we’re proposing. We want to hear your concerns, begin answering your questions, and discuss ways that this project can better benefit the community.