Cleveland Metroparks CEO Brian M. Zimmerman was presented with the 2022 Richard Shatten Award by Greater Cleveland Partnership (GCP) on Thursday, June 30 at GCP’s Annual Event. The Richard Shatten Award recognizes a nonprofit professional who has had significant impact while exhibiting qualities reminiscent of Richard Shatten.
Shatten led Cleveland Tomorrow (GCP’s predecessor organization) for nearly a decade and made countless contributions to the culture of civic leadership, always focused on ideas and partnerships that would make Greater Cleveland a better place to live and work. His initiatives and impact are still celebrated and felt throughout our region.
“Brian and his team have expanded and amplified Greater Cleveland’s bountiful natural resources, both land and water, making our community ever more appealing by creating access to nature and providing us all great spaces for play and serenity,” said Baiju R. Shah, president and CEO of GCP. “With this award, we celebrate his leadership, impact and commitment to our region.”
Brian was recognized by GCP for his leadership and strong partnerships that have driven Cleveland Metroparks to:
- Strategically expand park access to 49 communities across six counties.
- Add over 3,000 acres to the parks now 24,400 acres of protected parkland and forests.
- Revitalize Cleveland’s urban core with the acquisition and transformation of nearly 750 acres of lakefront, linking residents to Lake Erie and the region’s vast network of parks and trails.
“At Cleveland Metroparks, we pride ourselves on building partnerships across Northeast Ohio to improve our region and our quality of life,” said Zimmerman. “I’m honored to share this connection to Richard Shatten and to be a catalyst in driving progress and prosperity by improving access to parks and trails and connecting our communities.”
For more information on the annual event and award, visit:
greatercle.com.
# # #