Our Staff

Kathy McKenna

Executive Director

Kathy is a 1993 graduate of Marshall University with a BBA Degree in Finance. She has worked for the GHPRD since 1992. In addition to serving as the Executive Director of GHPRD, Kathy serves in the capacity of Human Resources Director and Finance Director for the Park District and is involved in all employee relations, insurance, finances and many other aspects of the Park District Management and Administration.

304.696.5954 | kmckenna@ghprd.org

Lauren Patrick

Assistant Director

Lauren is a 2014 graduate of Marshall University with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Natural Resource and Recreation Management. Lauren heads up Recreational Programming at GHPRD, and has been with the organization since 2015. Lauren is very passionate about the field of parks and recreation and is committed to helping provide children everywhere with the resources they need to get out and play!

In her spare time Lauren can be found spending time with her son Simon and beloved pets.

304.696.5954 | lpatrick@ghprd.org

Scott Miller

Maintenance Superintendent

Scott Miller has been with the GHPRD since 1988. He enjoys the outdoors and serving the public. Through his work, Scott hopes to enable all park patrons to have a memorable and enjoyable experience every time they visit.

304.696.5543 | smiller@ghprd.org

Kevin Dials

Parks Manager

Kevin Dials, a native of Huntington, returned to the Huntington area with his family in September 2022. Kevin is a 2005 graduate of Marshall University’s Parks, Recreation and Leisure Services Bachelor’s Program. Kevin began working the with GHPRD as a Seasonal Naturalist while attending Marshall. He rejoined the GHPRD Parks Team in the summer of 2022 as a Parks Manager for Rotary Park and the other parks in the east end of the district. Kevin spent 14 years working for the West Virginia State Park System, including assignments at Beech Fork State Park and Kanawha State Forest. He also managed Glenwood Recreational Park and the Mercer County 4-H Camp in Princeton, West Virginia.

In his free time, Kevin enjoys the outdoors and spending time with his family.

304.696.5543 | kdials@ghprd.org

Heather Shafer

Business Manager

Heather joined the GHPRD team in November of 2021 as the business manager. She has been a Huntington resident for nearly two decades with her grown children and fur babies.

When not in the office, Heather can be found enjoying outdoor endeavors.

304.696.5954 | hshafer@ghprd.org

Sydney DeVaney

Recreation Coordinator

Sydney is originally from Martinsburg, WV, but chose to stay in Huntington after graduating from Marshall University in 2024 with a degree in Natural Resources and Recreation Management. Before joining our team, Sydney worked with the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources (WVDNR) at the Beech Fork Wildlife Management Area.

Outside of work, Sydney is passionate about animals, rafting, and live music, and is a big supporter of local art, food, music, and businesses.

304.696.5954 | sdevaney@ghprd.org

Geoffrey Murray

Office Assistant

Geoffrey joined the park department in December 2024 as an office assistant. In his spare time, Geoffrey works on achieving his continued physical and mental state goals. A fan of games/music/sports/movies just like most, he tries his hardest to stay current on his interests. Although as we know, it’s not always so easy.

Friend of the office cat, Cindy, he meets her daily demands of head scratches and pets. He looks forward to assisting his coworkers and patrons of the Greater Huntington Parks when needed.

304.696.5954 | gmurray@ghprd.org

Eldora McCoy

Cemeteries Operations Manager

Eldora McCoy has been employed by the GHPRD since 1993. She is responsible for all business including sales, burials, recordkeeping and maintenance operations at Spring Hill, Highland, Guyandotte, and Pat’s Branch cemeteries.
304.696.5516 | emccoy@ghprd.org

Jamie Toth

Administrative Assistant, Spring Hill Cemetery

Jamie Toth, Administrative Assistant, of the Spring Hill Cemetery, grew up in Michigan. Jamie and her family moved to Huntington in July 2022. Jamie earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Human Service from Baker College of Muskegon (Michigan). The majority of Jamie’s career was working as a Case Manager, most recently in the mental health field. Jamie works with International Cultural Exchange Services assisting students coming to the United States and the Huntington community. In addition, Jamie coordinates with local families to sponsor the exchange students that are in high school.

Jamie spends her free time with her husband, son, and dog. In warmer weather, you will find Jamie and her husband riding their motorcycle with friends. Jamie also homeschools her son.

304.696.5516 | jtoth@ghprd.org