COLUMBUS – The Ohio State Parks Foundation (OSPF) named Bob Taft, former Ohio Governor (1999-2007) as the organization’s chairman, effective September 1.
“Our state park system has always been a source of pride to me. Improving the parks so that more people have access to them is a goal that I am passionate about,” Taft said. “Our board members share that passion, and I’m thrilled to lead us in our mission to improve the state parks of Ohio.”
Taft succeeds Fran Buchholzer, former Ohio Department of Natural Resources Director, who served as interim chair since the non-profit organization was established in 2021.
“I have been honored to have led the Ohio State Parks Foundation Board of Directors from its inception,” Buchholzer said. “In just over a year, we have added equipment and infrastructure to make recreation more accessible.
“The addition of mobility mats, accessible kayak launches, all-terrain hiking chairs, sensory paths and pollinator gardens are just the beginning. Our future success is guaranteed with Bob Taft leading the way. I’m looking forward to more great improvements to our parks in years to come.”
Taft spent his childhood in Cincinnati and served for several years in the Peace Corps in Africa after graduating from Princeton University with a master’s degree. He returned to Ohio and graduated from the University of Cincinnati with a law degree in 1976.
During his term as governor, Taft proposed and implemented, with voter support, the Clean Ohio Fund, which has funded countless projects to protect Ohio’s river corridors, preserve open spaces and expand Ohio’s network of recreational trails.
Taft served as chairman of the Council of Great Lakes Governors (2001-2005), helping to advance Great Lakes education and policy initiatives, such as the Great Lakes-St. Lawrence Basin Water Resources Compact.
He has also served on the board of the Ohio to Erie Trail. Taft enjoys canoeing on Ohio rivers like the Mohican and hiking the trails in Hocking Hills. He also bikes the Little Miami Scenic Trail every week.
Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Director Mary Mertz shared the announcement.
“Bob Taft is a true conservationist,” Mertz said. “His decades of leadership, coupled with his passion for Ohio’s great outdoors make him a fantastic leader for the Ohio State Parks Foundation.
“I look forward to working with him to make important improvements happen in Ohio’s State Parks.”
The Ohio State Park Foundation’s mission is to enhance, protect and preserve Ohio State Parks. Funding is used for projects that make our parks more accessible and sustainable. To learn more about OSPF, go to www.ohiostateparksfoundation.org
