Board of Directors

Dr. Barbara Brown, President

When I retired, I didn’t want to ride into the sunset. Rather, I wanted to use all the skills I was given to help my community. Our County Parks were a perfect way to use all my skills and help to preserve this glorious place.

John Scholtz, Vice President

Greg Boynton, Treasurer

Our parks are something I have enjoyed my whole life, starting with Hagar Park. I believe that when people look back at this time, they will appreciate that we stepped up and preserved these unique natural spaces for public enjoyment.  I am grateful to be part of the continuing tradition of creating and funding quality parks in Ottawa County

Shelly Stephens, Secretary

I have enjoyed our Ottawa County parks for many years and in a variety of ways. I believe we have a park to suit most anyone, and I deeply appreciate what our parks and natural areas add to our quality of place in West Michigan. Through a recent health challenge the parks took on an added meaning for me: walking in our parks was the most effective thing I found to manage swelling, regain strength, and improve my emotional well-being.

Scott Blinkhorn

Enjoying what the parks offer to me, our family and all those who use them, I was happy to be able to serve as a volunteer for a committee and project of the Foundation. I am happy to offer my time, talents, and what treasure I can to help the parks continue to be great.

Tim Grunwald

I am committed to supporting Ottawa County Parks Foundation because it significantly magnifies the resources available to provide residents of our county, western Michigan, and other visitors with exceptional outdoor parks throughout all corners of our county. These parks enhance our quality of life, helps attract talent to our county’s employers from outside of our region, and ensures the preservation of our natural resources for future generations to enjoy.

Martin Harris, Parks Commission Representative

Jeff Munford

Steve Negen

Dr. Deb Sturtevant

The Ottawa County Parks are a wonderful place to enjoy walking, hiking, and biking but also reading, watercolor painting, and even nature weaving! Ottawa County Park’s Foundation mission is to serve as a bridge to nature and its’ vision is that everyone should enjoy nature. My goal is to help promote participation through access to our beautiful county parks and educational programming for all who live here and those who visit us.

Anita Yoder, Past President

Quite simply, I joined the Foundation Board because I love our parks! One of my favorite things about living here has always been the abundance of parks and the recreational opportunities they provide. Spending time exploring our Ottawa County Parks and natural spaces has brought me a lot of joy over the years. I believe having access to parks and natural spaces provides our communities with a better quality of life and everyone deserves to experience the joy of nature.

Jason Shamblin, Director, Ottawa County Parks and Recreation Commission

Katie Wright, Coordinator of Fund Development & Major Gifts

Angela Miller-Niarhos, Fund Development Specialist