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. In 2009, Dave was inducted into the USC Hall of Fame for his honors as a Trojan Swimmer.

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 served as the Region IV Chairman for Ohio Parks and Recreation Association (OPRA) which is the liaison for Parks and Recreation professionals to network and advance the profession. Dave also serves on the OPRA Finance Committee.