Bernita Reese is a highly accomplished Recreation Professional and Servant Leader, with a distinguished career of over 30 years. She has successfully navigated pivotal roles, each marked by significant contributions and achievements. Reese began her tenure with the City of Columbus in January 2018 and left for a short time in Huntsville, Alabama as the Director of Parks and Recreation. After her time in Huntsville Al., she had an opportunity to rejoin the City of Columbus in a greater leadership role which she began in January 2022, as the Director of Recreation and Parks Department.
Prior to her time in Columbus, Ohio, Bernita spent thirteen years as Division Manager with DeKalb County Recreation, Parks and Cultural Affairs. Her responsibilities encompassed practical problem solving, professional administrator, educator and self-motivated organizer who welcomed evaluation based on performance. Her strategic contributions included overseeing the operational budget. As Center manager, within the same organization she managed day-to-day operations of a facility. She also worked to resolve conflict, create programming, special events and crafted a leadership program.
Bernita has experience working with public, private and military recreation. She has worked nationally and internationally in programming, special events, athletics and therapeutics. Bernita holds a Master of Sport Management from Western Illinois University and a Bachelor in Recreation, Park and administration, from Savannah State University. She is currently a member of the National recreation and Park association (NRPA), Ohio Parks and Recreation Association (OPRA), and City Park Alliance. She serves on many boards and the president of the Bridge of Austin Center.
Outside of her professional life. Bernita is known for her passion in traveling, music, videography and athletics. Music is her first love as she is a musician by nature with a spin of traveling. She believes in serving and models that professionally and personally.