Judge Rusu appoints two people to MetroParks board

Staff report

YOUNGSTOWN

Judge Robert N. Rusu Jr. of Mahoning County Probate Court appointed Jeff Harvey and Paul Olivier to two open seats on the Mill Creek MetroParks board.

By state law, the probate judge is the appointing authority for the park district.

Harvey is the owner of Wild Birds Unlimited in Boardman, president of the Audubon Society of Mahoning Valley, and a longtime park volunteer and supporter.

“It is my desire that Jeff bring his passion and knowledge of the park and the environment to the board and continue the superb legacy that Volney Rogers established in our community over 100 years ago,” Judge Rusu said in a news release Wednesday.

Olivier is senior vice president/chief network integration officer at Mercy Health Youngstown.

The release notes that Olivier has worked in health care administration for 25 years and has served on numerous boards, such as the Youngstown Business Incubator and Youngstown CityScape. The judge’s release noted Olivier’s experience with “strategic planning, business development and operation management.”

“His reputation is well-known, and his passion for helping the Valley is second to none,” the judge said.

Harvey and Olivier will be sworn into office at the next board meeting, which is scheduled for 6 p.m. Feb. 12 at the MetroParks Farm in Canfield. Board members are appointed to three-year terms.

The openings on the board came about when Tom Shipka and John Ragan opted not to seek reappointment when their terms expired last month.

A screening committee Judge Rusu empaneled to increase public input in the appointment process vetted candidates and forwarded recommendations to the judge.