RPAC provides recommendations and advice to City Council and City Staff on a variety of topics, including development of existing parkland; recreational facilities; trails and bikeways; health, wellness, and recreational programming; and updates to strategic plans.
The Committee consists of ten volunteer members who are Hilliard residents and includes a representative from Hilliard City Schools, each of the three high schools, and two Council representatives.
Commission member since 2023
Term ends 2025
Background
Anderson has a degree in government administration from Christopher Newport University. She started her career in higher education administration roles at Virginia Tech and Texas A&M University. She moved to Ohio in 2011 and worked for 10 years in talent management and diversity. She currently is a manager in diversity, equity, and inclusion at Cardinal Health.
Personal
She lives in Hilliard with her husband and their two active boys, who love to spend time exploring Hilliard parks and playing sports.
Commission member since 2022
Term ends February 2026
Background
Coyle served for more than 40 years in public administration leadership positions. His experience includes parks and recreation director in Milford, Delaware, and as parks, recreation and properties director in Cleveland. He was also an athletic specialist in the US Air Force. He holds a master’s degree in public recreation administration from Temple University.
Hilliard community service
Coyle has been an RPAC member since May 2022.
Personal
He and his wife, Peggy, moved to Hilliard in April 2012. They are both retired.
Panel member since 2023
Term ends 2026
Background
Gara is a stream and wetland mitigation coordinator with the Ohio Chapter of the Nature Conservancy (TNC), specializing in the study of native wetland plants and the use of geographic information systems technology to enhance the quantity and quality of Ohio’s aquatic resources. Before joining TNC, he was employed as a wetland ecologist with the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency. While there, Gara worked on numerous research projects to better understand these important aquatic habitats. He graduated with a bachelor’s degree in art and biology from Bluffton College in 1985, a master’s degree in botany from Ohio University in 1987, and a doctorate from The Ohio State University in environmental science 1995. As a long-time Hilliard resident, he is passionate about increasing green space protection within the sensitive Darby Watershed.
Hilliard community service
Gara and his family moved to Hilliard in 1999 and have enjoyed watching it develop into a vibrant community that embraces diversity. He and his wife are members of the Hilliard Area Garden Club, which is responsible for maintaining the beautiful gardens at Veteran’s Park and the VFW outpost on Avery Road. The club has also worked with the Recreation and Parks Department to control invasive species and establish designated walking paths through the Municipal Park woodlot so residents can learn about and enjoy Ohio’s native spring wildflowers.
Personal
He and his wife have two grown daughters. They live in the Hampton Oaks subdivision and love visiting downtown to enjoy the many fun, family-friendly events the city has to offer.
Commission member since 2021
Background
McDonough is the deputy superintendent for Hilliard City Schools. He maintains support systems for all phases of the district in the areas of development and implementation of business management, operations data and informational services, maintenance, buildings, and grounds, along with transportation. He oversees all district athletic and extracurricular activities.
Hilliard community service
He has worked for Hilliard City Schools since August 2008, serving as an assistant principal at Darby High School for three years, the director of secondary education for four years, and in his current role since August 2015. Before serving on the Recreation and Parks Advisory Committee, he served on the Hilliard Sports Commission.
Personal
He and his wife, Kristin, have lived in Hilliard since 2000. They have two daughters. Madelyn, 19, is a sophomore at The Ohio State University. Maya, 17, is a senior at Hilliard Davidson High School.
Commission member since 2022
Term ends March 2024
Background
Richardson is the president and CEO of Richardson Marketing Group, a marketing firm specifically designed to enhance the customer acquisition efforts of insurance agents. He also is a partner and chief operating officer of Freedom Direct Life Insurance Services, a published author, and speaker. A former teacher, Richardson also volunteers his time as the president of the Hilliard Optimist Club and acts as the director of basketball operations. He is a graduate of Ohio Dominican University.
Hilliard community service
Richardson has been active in community service in Hilliard for more than a decade. He has served on several boards and committees including Portrait of a Graduate, Hilliard by Design, RPAC, and the Hilliard Optimist Youth Club.
Personal
He has a passion for entrepreneurship and has dedicated countless hours helping young and aspiring entrepreneurs to get their businesses off the ground. In his spare time, he loves to play golf and hang out with his family. He and his wife, Desiree, have four children and three grandchildren. All four children are Hilliard Davidson high school graduates.
Commission member since 2021
Term ends February 2026
Background
For the last 16 years Schooley has worked within the Department of Recreational Sports at The Ohio State University, currently serving as the assistant director of satellite and outdoor facilities. Before that he was at the University of Kansas as their assistant director of sport programs for four years. He also officiates football and basketball at the high school level. His wide-ranging experience within the sports and recreation field from the collegiate side brings a unique perspective to the Recreation and Parks Advisory Committee. Before serving as the RPAC chair, he also served as a member of the Hilliard Sports Commission. He received his master’s degree in recreation and sports science from Ohio University and his bachelor’s degree from The Ohio State University.
Hilliard community service
In addition to the Hilliard Sports Commission and the RPAC experience, he has been a volunteer assistant coach within the Hilliard Baseball Association and Hilliard Optimist leagues and the Hilliard Panthers baseball organization.
Personal
Originally from Bowling Green, Ohio, he is now married to Kara Schooley. They have three children, Amelia, Bennett, and Parker. They have lived in Hilliard since 2008.
Nadia Atway Rasul began serving her first elected term on City Council in January 2026.
Born and raised in Youngstown, Ohio, Nadia Atway Rasul has called Hilliard home since 1991, when she and her husband built their family home here. Together, they raised four children, all proud graduates of Hilliard Davidson High School and The Ohio State University.
A pharmacist by profession, Nadia has served the Hilliard community since 1993-caring for her neighbors as their trusted, neighborhood pharmacist. With over three decades of experience in healthcare, she will bring a vital perspective to City Council as the only healthcare professional and pharmacist serving on council.
Nadia’s commitment to service extends well beyond her career. She served for 13 years as an appointed member of the Hilliard Recreation and Parks Commission, continues to volunteer in Hilliard schools, and currently serves as a volunteer board member for the Hilliard YMCA. In addition, she has led charitable efforts as the chapter president of a 501 (c)(3) organization dedicated to providing medical treatment for children with injuries.
As a first-generation immigrant, Nadia understands the value of community, opportunity, and belonging. Her lifelong mission has been to stay rooted in service, helping others and giving back to the city she loves.
Kathy Parker-Jones began serving her first elected term on City Council in January 2026.
Kathy Parker-Jones has been a proud resident of Hilliard since 1994. She and her husband Jon chose to make their home in Hilliard, where they raised their two sons, who both graduated from Hilliard City Schools.
Kathy is a passionate advocate for public education and has dedicated her career to serving Hilliard families. She brings deep leadership experience from her 24-year career with Hilliard City Schools, where she held several key positions. Kathy holds a B.S. in Education and a B.A. in French from the University of Dayton. Additionally, she has an M.A. in Educational Theory and Practice from The Ohio State University and an M.S. in Educational Leadership from the American College of Education. She continues her work in education as a district-level administrator.
Kathy believes in serving her community. She has volunteered for numerous organizations, including the Central Ohio Triathlon Club, the Hilliard Education Foundation, and the Hilliard Food Pantry.
In addition to her commitment to public education, Kathy champions a healthy lifestyle. A dedicated athlete herself, she has completed 10 marathons and 4 Ironman triathlons. She is also the owner and certified coach of Balanced Triathlon Training, helping athletes of all levels achieve their wellness-focused goals.
In her spare time, Kathy enjoys spending time with family, walking, reading books, and crafting.
Bio coming soon
Bio coming soon
Bio coming soon
Bio coming soon
RPAC meets on dates and times it deems necessary to fulfill its purpose and to meet deadlines as required by Hilliard City Council. All meetings are open to the public.
For further information or questions please contact Director of Recreation and Parks Ed Merritt.
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