Dave Zenk: Toledo Metroparks - Meeting will be held at The Aquarium at the Huntington Center

Dave Zenk, Executive Director of Metroparks Toledo, is a dynamic and accomplished professional with over 15 years of demonstrated performance in the park field and years of experience in the private sector as a business owner.   He is a skillful project manager who is passionate about leadership, quality service delivery and developing strategies that are powerful enough to change the region.

At Metroparks Toledo, he is directly responsibility for $88 million in total assets, 200 employees, and a $19 million annual budget.  He oversaw the development of the agencies’ current comprehensive plan; developed the, “10 parks in 10 years” and “A park within 5 Miles” strategy.  Additionally, he was responsible for securing over $50M of grant dollars, which has allowed Metroparks to grow and develop over 12,000 acres of land across northwest Ohio.

Under his supervision, Metroparks has not only added to its land holdings but also opened six new parks- 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, a single track trail for mountain bikes, and most recently begun construction of the Cannaley Treehouse Village- the country’s largest tree house village.

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 a recent 20 under 40 awardee, and serves on numerous community boards and committees.