Five Rivers MetroParks Chief Executive Officer Rebecca Benná announced today she plans to retire from her position in spring 2023.
Benná has led the organization since March 2011 and has worked in public service for over 40 years. The Board of Park Commissioners plans to work with an executive search firm to conduct a nationwide search to fill the leadership position.
During her tenure, Benná led the agency to earn the National Recreation and Park Association’s Commission for Accreditation of Park and Recreation Agencies (CAPRA) initial accreditation and reaccreditation, demonstrating the agency’s commitment to providing the community with the highest level of service.
Benná currently serves as a board member of the Rotary Club of Dayton, Homefull, the Miami Valley Regional Planning Commission, Bike Miami Valley and Miamisburg Education Foundation. She has served in various leadership roles at the local, state and national levels, such as chairperson of the Dayton Convention and Visitors Bureau Board of Directors, and co-chair of the Dayton Area Chamber of Commerce Executive Women’s Council. She also served as president of the prestigious National Academy for Park and Recreation Administration, and the Ohio Parks and Recreation Association.
“It is hard to believe that 40 years of public service in the parks and recreation industry has gone by,” Benná said. “It has been a privilege to work with such a fantastic, committed and purpose-driven team of Five Rivers MetroParks staff and volunteers who strive every day to protect our region’s natural resources and connect our community to nature. I greatly appreciate the support and dedication of the Board of Park Commissioners, who volunteer their time to help guide our organization. It has been an awesome experience, and I am looking forward to my next adventure in life.”
