Greg A. Weitzel is the Senior Director of Mission
Advancement for Kids Around the World, a faith-based non-profit organization
that has provided the gift of play, food, and story to millions of children in
more than 80 different countries.
Weitzel previously served as Director of the Department of
Parks and Recreation for the cities of Las Vegas, Nevada, Idaho Falls, Idaho,
Allentown, and Lewisburg, Pennsylvania. During his tenure, the agencies he led received
multiple state and national awards for park, trail and facility development,
and innovative programming and special events.
His work in Pennsylvania was highlighted by earning the
Governor’s Award for Excellence in Intergovernmental Cooperation and several
Pennsylvania Recreation and Park Association Excellence in programming, park development
and professional of the year awards.
Weitzel served on the Board of Directors for the National
Recreation and Park Association for more than four years, where he led the
Public Policy and Advocacy Committee, and served on numerous committees during
his more than 25 years of membership.
An invited member of the White House Conference on America’s
Great Outdoors, Weitzel has significant experience addressing urban issues and
working closely with federal, state, and local elected officials.
A nationally Certified Park and Recreation Professional, Weitzel
earned a master’s degree in health, physical education, recreation and park administration
from Illinois State University and a bachelor’s degree in recreation, park and
tourism management, community and therapeutic recreation from the Pennsylvania
State University, where he was also recognized with the Emerging Professional
of the Year Award from the College of Health and Human Development.
Weitzel has also helped to secure more than $1.5 million
dollars for international humanitarian aid and lead teams to build one of the
first playgrounds in Haiti after the 2010 earthquake; and has assisted in
securing and building more than 50 other playgrounds in several third world countries
as an ambassador for Kids Around the World.
Weitzel has been married for more than 25 years to his wife
Jennie and has two daughters, Virginia, and Ashley, and enjoys hiking, biking, hunting,
fishing, and playing acoustic guitar. [Updated June 2023]