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Two finalists selected for MetroParks top job

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By Steve Bennish, Staff Writer Updated 1:37 AM Wednesday, January 19, 2011

DAYTON — Five Rivers MetroParks Commissioners have selected two finalists for the position of executive director to replace Charlie Shoemaker who is retiring Feb. 28.

They’re Rebecca A. Benná, Director of Parks and Recreation, Glendale, Ariz.; and Stephen Madewell, Director, Lake Metroparks, Lake County in Ohio.

Both have ties to the Miami Valley and local institutions. After earning a bachelor’s degree from Bowling Green State University and a master’s degree from the University of Phoenix, Benná’s first professional job was during the 1980s as a program supervisor helping plan the community center for the city of Kettering.

From 1994 to 2005, she was Director of Parks and Recreation for Miamisburg and had previously held positions with the cities of Indianapolis, Phoenix, Ariz., and Scottsdale, Ariz. Benná is a native of Antwerp, Ohio.

Madewell earned a degree in 1977 from Miami University and obtained Peace Officer certification from Cleveland Metroparks Ranger Academy during the period when he also held positions from 1979 to 1986 with the Greene County Recreation and Parks Department. He served as Director with Geauga Park District in northeast Ohio and held several positions at Lake Metroparks prior to assuming his current role there as director. Madewell is a native of the Dayton area. He’s worked for Lake Metroparks since 1988.

At Glendale Parks and Recreation where she has worked since 2005, Benná oversees a staff of 85 that manage more than 92 parks and green spaces, a trail system, historic properties, recreation centers, adventure centers, aquatic facilities, and golf courses.

Alan Pippenger, President of the Board of Commissioners for Five Rivers MetroParks, said the search firm hired to seek and screen candidates was in contact with more than 200.

Pippenger said the finalists qualified because they fit the culture of MetroParks and exhibit high levels of integrity as well as a commitment to the MetroParks mission and strategic direction. Both have proven team-building records, he added. Both finalists will be in town on Friday, Jan. 28. Public receptions will be held at Cox Arboretum and at Wegerzyn MetroParks. A final decision is expected in early February.

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