The Ottawa County Parks Foundation is pleased to welcome Martin Harris to its Board of Directors. With a strong professional background, a long-standing commitment to community service, and a deep appreciation for outdoor recreation, Martin brings valuable perspectives to the Foundation’s ongoing work in support of Ottawa County Parks.
Martin is a Product Development Engineer at MillerKnoll, where he has worked for the past ten years. His professional experience has centered on thoughtful product development, collaboration, and long-term problem-solving skills that translate well to strategic board service.
After relocating to West Michigan in 2016, Martin began volunteering with Ottawa County Parks. He quickly developed a strong appreciation for the quality and accessibility of the county’s park system. In 2025, he was appointed to the Ottawa County Parks and Recreation Commission, where he actively engages in advancing the Commission’s legacy of excellence and stewardship.
In addition to his work with the Parks Commission, Martin has a history of nonprofit involvement. Beginning in 2017, Martin and his wife played a key role in launching Velo Kids, a local nonprofit whose growth has been closely connected to Ottawa County Parks. Many of the most accessible mountain biking opportunities in the Holland area are located within county parks, and Martin has had the unique opportunity to observe and support this partnership from both the nonprofit and parks perspectives. Martin looks forward to bringing this community-focused experience to his role with the Foundation.
Outside of his professional and volunteer commitments, Martin is an avid cyclist, skier, and runner, and values spending time outdoors with his wife and two young sons. This personal connection to outdoor recreation reinforces his belief in the importance of well-maintained, inclusive parks for residents and visitors alike.
Martin chose to join the Foundation Board after witnessing the significant impact the Foundation has had on the park system over the past decade. Signature projects such as the Grand River Greenway and the recent expansion of Rosy Mound demonstrate the powerful outcomes made possible through collaboration between the Foundation and Ottawa County Parks. Looking ahead, Martin is eager to help ensure these organizations continue working in tandem to create exceptional places and spaces throughout Ottawa County.