Huron-Clinton Metroparks Names New Director

The Huron-Clinton Metroparks Board of Commissioners appointed John P. McCulloch as director of the Huron-Clinton Metroparks at their Dec. 13 Board meeting. McCulloch started his new post Dec. 21.

“I’m honored and truly humbled by the Board’s support,” said McCulloch.  “I look forward to serving as the director of the Huron-Clinton Metroparks, a nationally-recognized regional park system that provides exceptional outdoor recreation and educational experiences for the people of southeast Michigan.”

McCulloch, of Royal Oak, is both a CPA and an attorney. He was appointed by the Oakland County Board of Commissioners to serve as the Oakland County representative to the Huron-Clinton Metropolitan Authority Board of Commissioners in May 2011, and reappointed in February 2012 for a term ending May 2018.  He also served as the Board Treasurer.

McCulloch worked as the Oakland County Water Resources Commissioner since 2000, and also served for 12 years on the Oakland County Parks and Recreation Commission, most recently as vice chairman. As the Oakland County Water Resources Commissioner, he was responsible for the operation of wastewater treatment plants, water treatment plants, miles of storm water collection facilities, and sewer collection facilities that serve approximately 1.2 million people. He also managed the administration of a nearly $200 million operations and maintenance budget with a staff of approximately 250.

“John McCulloch brings valuable experience through his service on the Board of Commissioners for two excellent park systems,” said Anthony Marrocco, chairman of the Huron-Clinton Metroparks Board of Commissioners serving Macomb County.  “As commissioner, he brought forth excellent ideas and direction to the Board, and we welcome his leadership as the new director.”

Prior to being elected as the Oakland County Water Resources Commissioner, McCulloch served for 10 years as a county commissioner, including five as Chairman of the Board, prior to being elected drain commissioner, a title that was changed in late 2008 to water resources commissioner.

Recognizing a need to bring new technology in a traditionally risk-adverse environment, he founded H2Opportunities, a business accelerator that can address the largest challenges facing water technology entrepreneurs, i.e. full-scale, real world testing, documentation of the findings, regulatory assistance, marketing assistance and business planning assistance as well as assistance in finding permanent financing.

McCulloch has been honored with numerous environmental awards and has served on several international panels of experts addressing water quality issues with a holistic approach.

Members of the seven-member HCMA Board of Commissioners include five commissioners, one each to represent the counties of Wayne, Macomb, Oakland, Livingston and Washtenaw for six-year terms; and two commissioners who serve as representatives-at-large, appointed by the governor of Michigan for a term of four years.

Source: Metroparks press release