The Chief of the Division of Parks & Recreation reports to the Director of the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) through the deputy director of Recreation and Resource Management for ODNR. He is accountable for all operations of the 74 Ohio State Parks and for the planning, development, business self-operations, concessions, administration, and all other activities that occur in these parks or affects them. He exercises line authority over all park managers and group managers and is assisted in day-to-day operations by the group managers, their staffs, and the regional park cluster coordinators.

The Assistant Chief is the principal assistant to the Chief of Parks and Recreation and exercises line authority with the regional cluster coordinators and park managers in resolving operating problems within the parks. He also represents the Chief in many of his day-to-day responsibilities with persons and organizations inside and outside of Ohio state government. The Assistant Chief performs special projects as assigned on behalf of the Chief. In the absence of the Chief, he functions as the Acting Chief discharging all delegated responsibilities of that office. The Assistant Chief also exercises line authority with the Law Enforcement Group.

The Chief’s Office is also responsible for coordinating receptionist functions for the Columbus central office and works closely with the Public Affairs and Field Support groups to ensure that public inquiries are promptly answered.

New Directives

Park Study Committee Resources

Leadership Factor’s, Employee Satisfaction Survey Final Report

Natural Resource Management Planning