Richard Kharman

I’m honored and excited to introduce myself as the new Director for Greene County Parks & Trails.

As I write this, it’s a beautiful day to reflect on how we become who we are. I’m sure many of you would like to know a little about me. My family moved to western Ohio from the Washington D.C. metro area this past June. I have spent two-thirds of my life in the Parks and Recreation industry. I began my career in the recreation industry as a seasonal staff member in the late 90s, working at an ice rink. In 2005, I decided that a career in the Parks and Recreation field was for me, and I started as an entry-level maintenance worker with a large park district in the region.

I slowly made my way through the maintenance ranks, gradually taking on roles from maintenance worker to Playground Inspector to Park Manager to Senior Manager in Montgomery County, Maryland. With over twenty years dedicated to serving diverse communities and supporting environmental stewardship, my work has consistently centered on helping people enjoy the outdoors. To say it is a huge part of my life would be an understatement

I am quite passionate about sports and being outdoors. These passions are what drove me into the parks and recreation lifestyle. Being out in nature is good for the soul. I am fortunate to be a steward of parklands, and it is a great honor that I do not take lightly. Whether it’s fighting for the conservation of our precious lands or developing spaces for the public to enjoy, serving the public in this manner brings me immense joy. The sight of families using our lands every day brings a lot of pride.

I thrived in my role as Senior Manager for the last seven years. Though I loved everything about Maryland, it was never going to be my final destination. My wife and I always planned to retire in another part of the country. We also wanted a place we could raise our young family, travel, and spend time outdoors. Western Ohio kept drawing our attention, checking all the boxes. We have had numerous people tell us how Ohio was a wonderful place to raise children. The location would get us closer to some family and friends. Additionally, there are many nearby destinations to explore.

These days, I am an avid cyclist and spend most of my time out in nature. We were already eyeing a move to western Ohio, and when a position opened up with Greene County Parks & Trails, I jumped at the opportunity to join such a wonderful park system and community. This feels like where I am meant to be.

I look forward to continuing to grow and build upon programs and amenities for the people of Greene County and beyond. Conservation and recreation are two pillars we can build on. Balancing these two won’t be easy. However, by recognizing the effects of recreational activities and involving the community in conservation efforts, neighborhoods can guarantee both ecological well-being and ongoing enjoyment of natural areas for generations to come. We’ll continue designating parks for various purposes, encouraging responsible visitor conduct such as remaining on designated paths and reducing environmental impacts, and cultivating public stewardship to establish a collective dedication to environmental conservation. This is a role I take seriously and with pride. After all, it all belongs to you!

So, welcome to your backyard! It’s a beautiful day in the neighborhood. Won’t you be my neighbor?