Bret Henninger

Bret Henninger has a diverse work experience in various roles related to conservation and natural resources management. Bret currently holds the position of Chief Operating Officer at Great Parks of Hamilton County, where they are responsible for managing 17,000 acres of public land in 21 parks and conservation areas. Prior to this, they served as the Chief of Conservation and Parks, overseeing the stewardship of natural and developed assets. Bret also has experience as the Natural Resources Director and Manager, where they directed natural resource management programs and managed a biological assessment program. Bret began their career as an Environmental Technician and later worked as a Stewardship Crew Leader at Great Parks. Additionally, Bret gained valuable experience as an Intern at Ohio EPA and as a Natural Resources Aide at Ohio Department of Natural Resources. Bret also worked as a Fisheries Technician at Prince William Sound Aquaculture Corporation, where they cultured several species of Pacific salmon. Throughout their career, Bret has displayed a strong commitment to ecological sustainability and providing natural experiences for public enjoyment.

Bret Henninger holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Natural Resources from The Ohio State University, which they obtained from 1991 to 1994. Bret also pursued Fish and Wildlife Management studies at Hocking College from 1990 to 1991. Later, they pursued a Masters degree in Public Administration from Northern Kentucky University, completed between 2005 and 2008. In addition to their formal education, Bret secured certifications such as the NRPA Directors School from the National Parks and Recreation Association in 2018, and the Ohio Prescribed Fire Manager certification from ODNR Division of Forestry. Bret also participated in the Indiana University Executive Development Program at Indiana University Bloomington.