Dave Zenk is the executive director of Metroparks Toledo, where he has been directly responsible for $88 million in total assets, 166 employees, and an $18 million annual budget. Zenk helped secure $40 million in grants, which has allowed Metroparks to grow and develop over 12,000 acres of land. He also oversaw the development of the agencies’ comprehensive plan, developed the “10 parks in 10 years” and “A park within 5 Miles” strategy, and manages park planning, construction, maintenance, land acquisition, and programming, and more.

Zenk holds a masters degree in public administration, specializing in organizational development, from BGSU and a bachelor of science from The Ohio State University. He also completed a one-year program focusing on leadership in Preston, England, and also is a graduate of the National Recreation and Park Association’s director school.

He is committed to the area and stewarded a process that created a new strategic direction for Metroparks that aims to change the regional identity of northwest Ohio, and serves on the boards of Destination Toledo and Connect Toledo.