About the Foundation
The Columbus Recreation and Parks Foundation (CRP Foundation) is a private not for profit organization, which exists to further the mission of the Columbus Recreation and Parks Department (CRPD): to connect the people of our community through the power of nature, wellness, and creativity.
The organization’s purpose is to support the philanthropic initiatives of CRPD. The CRP Foundation works together with the department, community stakeholders, and the City of Columbus to ensure all residents have access to recreational programs, facilities, places, and spaces that make their lives and communities great.
Board of Directors
Dan Cannon
Vice Chairperson of the Board
Dan Cannon is a proven business and strategy leader with nearly thirty years of experience. He currently serves as AVP – Commercial Lines Product for Grange Insurance after many years of service at Nationwide and Farmers Insurance. In addition to business experience, Dan has spent the past 15 years supporting youth sports in his community. He has coached baseball, boys’ basketball, girls’ basketball, football and wrestling while also supporting the boards of several of the organizations.
His passion for youth sports comes from his upbringing where he grew up in a financially unstable environment. Sports was what gave him hope for the future and day to day purpose. Sports gave him the confidence to change his trajectory. He wants all kids to have the same opportunities through playing sports, which means access to resources, equipment, coaching, etc. He hopes to give back in that regard.
Dan holds an MBA from Ashland University and a BA in Finance from Otterbein University.
He lives in Upper Arlington with his spouse, Ali, and their 3 children, Jake, Tyler and Ellie.
Nicholas Jones
Board Director
Thomas Merritt
Chairperson of the Board
Brian Pauquette
Treasurer of the Board
Bernita Reese
Board Director
Bernita Reese joined the City of Columbus Recreation and Parks Department in January 2022. Bernita joined us from the Huntsville, Alabama Parks & Recreation Department, where she served as the Director.
Prior to her time in Huntsville, Bernita spent three years as Assistant Director for Columbus Recreation and Parks, overseeing the Community Relations section. Her previous leadership experience includes 12 years as the Divisional Manager for the DeKalb County Recreation, Parks and Cultural Affairs Department.
Bernita has a background of specialized training and experience that surpasses 25 years in the parks and recreation profession. She is a practical, problem-solving, professional administrator, educator and self-motivated organizer who welcomes evaluation based on performance. She is active in a diverse range of professional activities at national, state and local levels. She is currently a member of the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) and the Ohio Parks and Recreation Association (OPRA). She is the current president of the Bridge at Austin and previously served on numerous boards including Sports DeKalb.
Bernita has experience working with public, private and military recreation. She has worked nationally and internationally in recreation, athletics and therapeutics. Her life has not only been steered to motivate people but to implement programs that have a lasting impact in the community.
