Dave Zenk, Executive Director of Metroparks Toledo, is a dynamic and accomplished professional with over 10 years of demonstrated performance in the park field and years of experience in the private sector as a business owner.  Dave has an exceptional ability to build and leverage relationships within all levels of a public sector, service driven organization with a unique competence in creative problem solving.  He is a skillful project manager who is passionate about leadership, strategy, quality service delivery and customers.

During his tenure at Metroparks Toledo, he was directly responsibility for $88 million in total assets, 84 year round employees, and $13 million budget; oversaw the development of the agencies’ current comprehensive plan; developed the, “10 parks in 10 years” and “A park within 5 Miles” strategy; and managed park planning, capital construction, major maintenance, law- enforcement, natural resource management, land acquisition, park maintenance and park programming.  Additionally he was responsible for securing over $40M of grant dollars, which has allowed Metroparks to grow and develop over 12,000 acres of land across the agency.

Under his leadership, Metroparks has added to its land holdings and opened four new parks in the past two years – the first new Metroparks in four decades. In that time, the park system has also introduced new programs and outdoor activities, including outdoor skills instruction, kayak launches, a rock climbing area and a single track trail for mountain bikes.

Dave holds a Master’s of Public Administration degree specializing in organizational development from Bowling Green State University and a Bachelor of Science degree from The Ohio State University. He completed a one-year study abroad program focusing on leadership at Myerscough College in Preston, England. He is also a graduate of the National Recreation and Park Association’s director school.