Michael Whitaker has been serving the community since November of 2006. However, during his impeccable career, Mr. Whitaker has held positions as Assistant Director of the National Trail Parks and Recreation District, Clark County, Ohio; Recreation Director in Evendale, Ohio; and Director of Parks, Culture and Recreation in Unalaska, Alaska (commonly known as “Dutch Harbor, Alaska”). In all of his leadership roles, he has been committed to providing quality parks, facilities and recreation programs to the community. Before moving to Montana in 2006, Mr. Whitaker completed his A.S Degree in Civil Construction Engineering at Clark State Community College (1980), B.S. Degree in Health, Physical Education and Recreation at Wright State University (1989) and Master’s Degree in Public Administration from Wright State University (2006). He is currently certified as a Park and Recreation Professional (CPRP), Aquatic Facility Operator (AFO) and AFO Instructor. Mr. Whitaker has completed course work in the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) Director’s School Graduate Institute (2013), NRPA’s Aquatic Management School (2011 & 2012), NRPA’s Director’s School (2009 & 2010) and Pacific Northwest Resource Management School (2000 & 2001). In addition, Mr. Whitaker has been involved in the following professional organizations: NRPA’s AFO Exam Review Committee, speaker at state conferences and served on the Ohio Parks and Recreation Association’s Board of Directors. He also gives back to the park and recreation field as an instructor at the collegiate level with MSU-B Outdoor Adventure Leadership Program and instructing the NRPA’s AFO course. Mr. Whitaker’s interests outside of the classroom and field include hiking and exploring the Beartooth Mountains with his wife Angie, sons Jake and Rick, as well as his friends. Mystic Lake has been the greatest adventure hike while in Montana for Mr. Whitaker. He can also share stories about halibut fishing in Dutch Harbor Alaska, skiing at Red Lodge and Snowmobiling in West Yellowstone with his sons. As the leader of our team, Mr. Whitaker ensures we strive every day to provide the City of Billings with quality parks, facilities and recreation programs.