Administration

ASSISTANT DIRECTOR

Pronouns: He/Him/His

Mike is the assistant director of the Parks, Forestry and Building Maintenance section. Appointed to this role in 2025, he oversees the City’s parks, facilities, golf courses and urban forest. He collaborates with community organizations and colleagues within the department to create spaces and opportunities that bring residents and visitors together to connect, be active and make lasting memories.

With more than 30 years in public service, Mike began his career as an activity therapist with the Ohio Department of Youth Services. He then spent 16 years with the City of Gahanna, Ohio, where he held leadership roles including recreation superintendent, parks and facilities superintendent, and deputy director. He joined Columbus Recreation and Parks as the golf courses administrator in 2016.

Mike’s passion for leadership in the field includes involvement with the Ohio Parks and Recreation Association (OPRA), where he served as chair for the OPRA Student Conference, OPRA Foundation’s Region 4 Golf Outing, and Conference Education and Newsletter committees, as well as vice-chair of the OPRA Foundation. Mike is active in his community and served on the Columbus Marathon Board and the Gahanna Events, Inc. Board. He was an Ohio Herb Education Center Trustee.

Dedicated to professional growth, Mike is a three-year graduate of the National Recreation and Parks Revenue Management School. His past professional certifications include Certified Pool Operator and Certified Playground Safety Inspector. He also completed the OSHA Electrical Safety Audit course. Mike earned a bachelor’s degree in health and fitness management from Capital University.

Outside of work, Mike enjoys kayaking, hiking, camping and gardening with Angela, his wife of 26 years, and their two daughters.