There’s a new face at Oxford Township Parks and Recreation and he’s originally from the same Ohio town as comedian Drew Carey.
Meet Daniel J. Sullivan, the department’s newest recreation developer in charge of youth sports, summer camps and some special events.
For Sullivan, ‘seeing people have fun? and providing ‘opportunities for stress relief? is what his career is all about.
People have ‘got so much stress during the day and so much pressure with different school and work activities? that Sullivan said he enjoys the ‘chance to see them doing things they want to do,? not have to do.
‘We get to see them in a good mood,? Sullivan said.
Born and raised in Parma, Ohio ? the same Cleveland suburb Carey is from ? Sullivan’s family moved to East Lansing when he was in the eighth grade.
A 1990 graduate of East Lansing High School, he went on to receive a bachelor’s degree in recreation leadership and management from Ferris State University in 1997 and a master’s degree in physical education from Ohio University in 1998.
Sullivan said he chose the recreation field because he spent his childhood playing sports and being a camp counselor for the YMCA. ‘I’ve always been involved,? he said. ‘When I found out you could do this for a living, I changed my focus.? He was originally majoring in elementary education at Ferris.
Since college, Sullivan’s run different recreation programs and facilities in four states. He managed student recreation centers for Ohio University and Northern Kentucky University, and was a playfield assistant at the University of Illinois.
Sullivan also spent some time as a program coordinator for the Champaign County YMCA in Illinois. His last job brought him back to Michigan where he spent three years as a recreation coordinator for the City of East Lansing.
Besides plenty of experience, Sullivan said he brings lots of energy and enthusiasm to his new job in Oxford.
‘I enjoy getting out there and meeting people, shaking hands and making sure everything’s going well,? he said.
When he’s not working, Sullivan enjoys spending time with his wife of nearly five years, Julee, who also works in the recreation field in facility management, particularly ice arenas.
A big fan of all Cleveland teams, Sullivan also enjoys watching and participating in various sports. College football fans may recall his brother ? Mike Sullivan. He played for the University of Michigan as an offensive lineman from 1991-95.
Welcome to Oxford, Dan. Good luck.