MORGANTOWN – In 2007, Greg Travinski took a seasonal position with BOPARC as a camp counselor.
On Wednesday, he was unanimously approved as the city park system’s next executive director.
A Morgantown native, Travinski will officially step into the role on Dec. 6, following the retirement of Melissa Wiles after some 22 years in the city’s parks.
If the name Travinski sounds familiar in relation to BOPARC leadership, it should. Marissa Travinski serves as the system’s assistant director. The two are related by marriage.
Travinski said he was honored and grateful to be given the opportunity to lead an exceptional team during a transformational period in BOPARC’s history.
“I realized that was my passion early on, helping the community and working in our park system. So, I switched my major from criminology to parks and recreation, but to be able to find a job working in parks and recreation was tough at that time,” he said, explaining he came on board full-time as a facility manager in 2015.
“I’m just passionate about it, and about giving back to the community, building those partnerships and working with the community. So, I was lucky to be able to stay here throughout that time, and now I’m executive director.”
His selection comes at the end of a nationwide search that drew more than 40 applicants. The process was handled internally with guidance from the city’s human resources staff.
BOPARC ultimately interviewed six candidates virtually before bringing in two finalists to sit for in-person interviews.
“We interviewed folks from across the country,” BOPARC President Danielle Trumble said. “The fact that we found a very passionate and knowledgeable candidate right within our own system that impressed us very much with his knowledge of our system and his knowledge of parks and recreation and best practices in general … we’re very excited.”
Trumble said the fact that the chosen candidate was already a member of the BOPARC team is a testament to the staff Wiles has assembled in her 11 years or so as executive director.
“I am very, very happy for Greg, first of all. He deserves this, and I look forward to watching his career as executive director unfold. He’s a smart guy. He’s committed to Morgantown and he utilizes the parks that he works in,” Wiles said. “Someone told me during the interview process that he actually was the most recognizable BOPARC employee that people would refer to … I think he’s going to do a great job. I’m just really excited for him.”
Travinski said Wiles has been a great mentor.
“We have a lot of capital projects going through right now. I look forward to completing those under the supervision of Melissa, and then working with her for a smooth transition.”
