The Erie MetroParks Board of Park Commissioners has named Melissa Price the new executive director of the park system, according to a news release.
Price’s background as deputy director, combined with a deep passion for community-based nature programs and nature preservation, will help to
further advance the mission of the park district, the release said.
Price has over 25 years of overall work experience within the public sector, and December marked 21 years with the park district, according to the release.
As deputy director, she assisted the executive director in administration of the park district, served as acting executive director when necessary and operated as the fiscal agent of the Board of Park Commissioners from 2010 through 2022, the release said.
Price is a member of the Ohio Parks and Recreation Association (OPRA), and over the years, has served on its statewide sign and education committees, the release said.
She recently was an invited speaker at Ohio Parks and Recreation Association’s Women in Leadership Conference where she spoke to over 200 park leaders about the importance of mental health.
In 2017, Price attained the nationally recognized certified park and recreation professional (CPRP) through the National Recreation and Park Association, according to the release.
“Melissa has been a dedicated employee for many years, serving many different positions with Erie MetroParks,” said Don Miears, chairman of the board in the release. “Her dedication and leadership earned her promotion to executive director.
“We look forward to working with Melissa over the next several years.”
“We are very excited to have Melissa accept the position of park director,” said Troy Wisehart, vice chairman of the board, in the release. “Melissa has worked closely with former director Amy Bowman-Moore for the last several years and has learned the position very well.
“I’m happy we could hire from within, and I am confident that Melissa will continue the success that the MetroParks have enjoyed over the last decade.”
Outside of the office, Price loves spending time with family, hiking in nature and is a self- proclaimed “book nerd,” the release said.
As a resident of Vermilion, she considers the Erie MetroParks her backyard, according to the release.
Price is passionate in continuing Erie MetroParks’ mission to conserve natural resources while connecting the community with nature through education and exploration, the release said.
