Director: Dave Wharton 
Dave Wharton joined New Albany Parks & Recreation in November 2001. A native of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, he received his undergraduate degree from the University of Southern California in Business Communication and Marketing and his Master’s degree from The Ohio State University in Sports Management.
A competitive swimmer since youth, Dave was a member of both the 1988 and 1992 Olympic teams. He won a silver medal in the 400 individual medley at the 1988 Seoul Olympics. Dave broke two world records: in 1987 in Brisbane, Australia for the 400 individual medley and in 1989 in Tokyo, Japan for the 200 individual medley.
Dave has lived in Columbus since 1993 when he became an assistant swim coach at the Ohio State University. In 1997, he accepted the position as the Aquatic Director at New Albany High School. Dave also managed Columbus Pool Management, a company that assists aquatic facilities in Central Ohio with facility and safety needs.
Dave coaches the New Albany High School Varsity Swim and Dive team. He was recognized in Business First as one of the "Top 40 under 40", a list of top advancing professionals in Central Ohio. Dave has also been appointed as the Region IV Chairman for Ohio Parks and Recreation Association (OPRA) as the region liaison for Parks and Recreation professionals to network and advance the profession.
Sports Coordinator: Noah Harner
In June 2006, Noah Harner joined as the Sports Coordinator. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Sport Management from Mount Union College and a Master’s in Recreation and Park Administration from Eastern Kentucky University.
Prior to joining NA Parks, Noah worked in the recreation industry at the collegiate level. He was the Sports Complex Manager at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University and worked at Assumption College as the Assistant Director of Recreational Sports. Noah’s hometown is Athens, Ohio, and he currently resides in Gahanna.
Parks Supervisor: Jason Sparhawk
Jason became Parks Supervisor in 2007. He attended Wilmington College where in 2006 he earned his undergraduate degree in Sports Management with a concentration in Administration.
Previously, Jason was employed by The Ohio State University. He was a crew leader on the grounds crew for OSU golf courses. He is from Athens, Ohio, where he played football, basketball, and baseball.
Office Manager / Accountant: Deana White
Deana has been the accountant for New Albany Parks & Recreation since 2000. She is a graduate of NA High School and received a Bachelor’s degree in accounting from Otterbein College.
Before working at NA Parks, Deana held positions with Huntington National Bank, Cardinal Apartments, and New Albany Plain Local Schools. She resides in New Albany.
New Albany Parks & Recreation staff
At work for you
Jason Sparhawk, Noah Harner, Dave Wharton, Deana White
