Jason Shamblin
Director, Ottawa County Parks & Recreation
Jason Shamblin’s path to leadership began with a connection to the outdoors and finding the places where he could thrive. From 4-H and hands-on learning to a career in parks and recreation, each experience helped shape the leader he is today.
Now Director of Ottawa County Parks & Recreation, Jason joins Amy Atkinson to share lessons about knowing your strengths, building trust and creating teams where people can thrive—while stewarding 7,700 acres of natural resources for generations to come.
Listen to Jason’s story and the leadership lessons he’s learned along the way.
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⏱️ Timecodes:
00:00 – Introduction & Early Life Jason Shamblin reflects on growing up on a 150-acre farm in Southeastern Ohio near Hocking Hills.
00:03 – Foundational Impact of 4-H Overcoming learning challenges with dyslexia and ADD, Jason found confidence, public speaking skills, and early leadership through 4-H.
00:06 – Hands-on Learning & Early Career at the YMCA Transitioning to Hocking College and Ohio University, Jason completed an internship at the Akron YMCA, which led to his first full-time job and shaped his business and budget mindset.
00:10 – Transition to Municipal Parks Moving into local government as a park crew leader in Gahanna, Ohio, Jason leveraged his practical background before advancing to superintendent in Grove City.
00:13 – First Director Role & Community Collaboration As Parks Director in Reynoldsburg, Ohio, Jason navigated local politics, built trust with elected officials, and launched an award-winning community garden.
00:18 – Butler County Deputy Directorship Jason took on the deputy director role at Metro Parks of Butler County, overseeing process building, facility expansion, and managing millage funding.
00:20 – Moving to Ottawa County A family trip to West Michigan inspired a career shift, leading Jason to apply for and step into the role of Director of Ottawa County Parks & Recreation.
00:24 – Land Preservation & Ottawa Sands Acquisition Jason discusses balancing public access with conservation, highlighting the multi-partner effort to acquire and preserve the 345-acre Ottawa Sands property.
00:27 – Millage Planning & Long-Term Sustainability Addressing population growth and funding needs, Jason details strategic planning, potential millage updates, and long-term financial stewardship.
00:32 – Ecological Restoration & Future Vision Looking ahead, Jason shares goals for universal outdoor education access for local students, regional trail connectivity (like the Grand River Greenway), and extensive ecological restoration at Ottawa Sands.
Jason Shamblin is the Director of Ottawa County Parks & Recreation, where he leads the stewardship of 42 properties and 7,700 acres of parks, open spaces and natural areas across Ottawa County.
Growing up on a 150-acre farm in southeastern Ohio, Jason developed an early connection to the outdoors. While traditional academics didn’t always come easily, 4-H gave him a place to build confidence, develop leadership skills and discover his strengths. Hands-on learning eventually led him to study natural resources and recreation and begin a career that combined his passion for the outdoors with public service.
Jason’s career has spanned outdoor education, municipal parks and recreation, and county park systems in Ohio before bringing him to West Michigan. Along the way, he learned the importance of seeking out strong mentors, building trust, listening to feedback and creating environments where people with different strengths and working styles can thrive.
Today, Jason approaches his role as both a leader and a steward—balancing conservation with public access while planning for the long-term needs of a growing community. Whether protecting natural resources, expanding opportunities for people to experience the outdoors or developing the next generation of environmental stewards, Jason believes leadership is ultimately about leaving the people, places and organizations entrusted to you better for those who come next.
Get in touch: info@inspirewestmichigan.com
Learn more: inspirewestmichigan.com
