COLUMBUS, OH - Jim O'Brien, manager of Mohican State Park in Ashland County, has received the Ohio State Parks Leadership Award for 2003, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR). The award recognizes O'Brien's outstanding customer service, community relations, employee development and overall attitude. Park managers throughout the state nominated him for the award. "Jim O'Brien is a leader in every way," said Dan West, chief of Ohio State Parks. "He has the respect and admiration of his employees, as well as his counterparts around the state."
Mohican State Park consistently ranks near the top in customer satisfaction ratings. O'Brien frequently takes on extra duties, whether it is instructing law enforcement classes, helping out with training and conferences or serving on committees.
He's dealt with various operational challenges and has still managed to accomplish many achievements that help further the mission of Ohio State Parks.
Mohican State Park, located just north of Mansfield, includes more than 1,200 acres, a resort lodge, 25 cottages, 186 campsites, 13 miles of trails and a restored grist mill. About 400,000 people visit the park yearly.
Ohio's 74 state parks encompass eight resort lodges, more than 500 cottages and 56 campgrounds with more than 9,000 campsites. A ninth resort lodge is scheduled to open in May at Geneva State Park in Ashtabula County. For additional information, visit the ohiodnr.com web site.