DEREK GORDON FROM CANTON PARKS TO SPEAK FRIDAY

   Derek Gordon currently serves as the Director of Canton Parks since being appointed by the Canton Park Commission in May of 2013.  He has been tasked with modernizing the department and is currently guiding the Park and Recreation Departments through a merger and levy campaign.  Derek was responsible for leading the Parks through their first ever successful park levy in November of 2013 and has spearheaded the redevelopment of Mother Gooseland, the reconstruction of the Stadium Park Walking Track, and the creation of the Gervasi Station Trailhead along with a variety of other park upgrades and improvements.  He has also helped facilitate partnerships around the community leading to the BikeSmart program, the Kayak Canton program, all while leading the Parks through their first master planning process since 1980.

Derek was born in Canton, Ohio and graduated from McKinley High School in 2003.  After graduating from Mount Union in 2007, he began working in the Mayor's Office for the City of Canton where he lead the acquisition negotiations for the Canton Charge, implemented the Greener Corners recycling program, and negotiated the lease and redevelopment of the new Thurman Munson Stadium baseball complex.  Derek recently completed his Master's of Public Administration degree from Kent State University and is engaged in a variety of non-profit and volunteer leadership roles throughout the community and currently serves as a board member of the United Way of Greater Stark County, Mercy Medical Foundation, and Canton Harbor High School.  Derek has received recognition for his volunteer efforts as the DeHoff Emerging Philanthropist for 2013, a ystark! 20 under 40 recipient, and was named One to Watch by Inside Business Magazine. 

He enjoys these volunteer opportunities with his wife Emily and his son Zeke.  They currently live in Canton with their dog Archie.