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Appointment is made official by Mill Creek MetroParks board
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Mill Creek MetroParks new Executive Director Clarke Johnson
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Virigina Dailey
By Elise Franco
CANFIELD
As a new era began Monday at Mill Creek MetroParks, a big part of the last one said farewell.
During its Monday night meeting the MetroParks board of commissioners officially approved Clarke Johnson, 59, as the new executive director, and at the same time, said goodbye to long-time board member Virginia Dailey.
Johnson, a Columbus native, has more than 30 years of experience in park districts in Wisconsin, Illinois, California and Missouri.
Jay Macejko, park board president, said Johnson’s annual salary will be $87,500. He will receive benefits and four weeks’ vacation time.
The executive director’s salary is determined using a set range, which is between $85,000 and $128,000, Macejko said.
“Clarke’s salary was determined based on that range and on the starting salary of the last executive director,” he said.
Macejko said he wasn’t sure of former director Dave Imbrogno’s starting salary when he took the position in 2007, but the details of Johnson’s compensation package, such as vacation and benefits, mirror Imbrogno’s
Imbrogno was making $90,300 when he resigned from the MetroParks in mid-2009, Macejko said.
After appointing Johnson, several board and audience members commented on Dailey leaving the park board after 13 years.
Mark Belinky, Mahoning County Probate judge, said Dailey asked him not to reappoint her.
“I need to publicly thank Ginny for the time she’s served on this board,” he said. “She will be missed.”
Macejko said though he’s only been on the board for two years, he’s learned from Dailey.
“This has truly been a good experience,” he said. “The time she has donated to the park is incredible. You found time over 13 years to dedicate yourself to this establishment.”
Dailey didn’t say why she wasn’t seeking reappointment, but she did speak of the MetroParks fondly.
“It has been a labor of love,” she said. “The work that’s been done over the past few years has stunned me. The amount of love and dedication people have for this park is beyond what I’ve seen at any place I’ve ever been.”
Judge Belinky said he’s known for months that he would have to replace Dailey and has been taking applications.
“I’ve been interviewing some people, and we have enough r sum s to make a selection soon,” he said. “And of course, we want to keep our board as diverse as possible and represent all parts of Mahoning County.”
Judge Belinky said he expects to make an appointment before the end of the year.