Park Board Selects New Executive Director, January 27, 2021

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: January 27, 2021
Contact: Carrie Dittman, Centerville-Washington Park District, cdittman@cwpd.org
Subject: Park Board Selects New Executive Director

CENTERVILLE, OH: The Centerville-Washington Park District (CWPD) Board of Commissioners has announced Kristen M. Marks will lead the organization as the new executive director. She will succeed retiring executive director, Arnie Biondo. Biondo has held the post since December 2014.

Ms. Marks is currently the programs manager for the Centerville-Washington Park District. She has been with CWPD since 2002. She started as the Park District’s naturalist, was twice promoted, first to outdoor education coordinator, and then to programs manager. She will transition to the executive director role on March 15.

Marks is a graduate of Michigan State University, continuing her education at Antioch University and Indiana University. She is the President of the Ohio Park and Recreation Association (OPRA), a member of the Centerville Noon Optimist Club, and she recently completed the Dayton Area Chamber of Commerce Empower program.

Marks said, “I am truly honored and excited to serve our wonderful community in this new role. I look forward to leading the Park District’s talented team of staff and volunteers in executing our mission to ‘wow’ park visitors, program participants and partners at every turn.”

Under Marks’ leadership, the Park District expanded program offerings to the community by 60% over five years. During the Covid-19 pandemic, her staff was able to modify existing programs and add many new programs to continue to serve a broad range of residents.

Retiring Director Biondo said, “Kristen is an excellent choice to lead the District for many years. She is intelligent, thoughtful, responsive and collaborative. Residents will continue to see many park and recreation advancements under her watch.”