At just 22 years old, Gary Jenkins assumed the role of Scioto County Recorder on Jan. 2, 2025. A lifelong resident of Scioto County, Jenkins oversees the crucial task of maintaining the county’s land records, deeds and property documents, functions that quietly underpin property rights and local governance. With a commitment to transparency, modernization and community service, Jenkins brings fresh energy to an office that many residents rarely see but may depend upon.
Jenkins references his family members as strong influences, particularly his stepfather.
“I owe a lot to my stepfather, Richard Craycraft,” Jenkins said. “He’s the one that got me into the Boy Scouts and continued to push me until I got my Eagle Scout. It was my time in the Scouts that shaped the values I use today.”
He added that the Scout Law continues to guide him: “I still remember it by heart. A scout is trustworthy, loyal, helpful, friendly, courteous, kind, obedient, cheerful, thrifty, brave, clean and reverent.”
Jenkins also noted a work ethic that he developed in his first job, staffing Camp Oyo, a scout camp in Shawnee Forest.
“It was fun,” he said. “I felt like I had really earned every paycheck.”
He went on to start his own power washing business, Jenkins Family Enterprises LLC, in 2021, just as he was finishing high school.
Jenkins added that his time working for the camp is when he first discovered his affinity for talking to people, a skill that set him up well for a political career. He noted his appreciation for the five staff members working in the recorder’s office, who have maintained a smooth workflow as he transitioned into his new role.
The documents stored and maintained by the county recorder’s office include deeds, mortgages, DD214s, surveys of land and plat-maps, among other items. Jenkins encouraged members of the public to come in to the office and ask questions, stating a commitment to transparency. He said he has focused on building a strong online presence to show what the office handles and any important updates to the office or records themselves. Among his goals for the office is the digitization of a complete Veterans Grave Index for the county.
