The Novi Parks Foundation is pleased to announce that Charles A. Staab (Charley), has been named president. As president, Staab will lead the board of directors in gaining funding, recommending projects, and overseeing the executive director to enhance the recreational and cultural programs and facilities in the City of Novi. Staab will replace David Landry as president. During Landry’s tenure, the Novi Parks Foundation contributed to many projects including pickleball courts at Wildlife Woods Park, the newly remodeled Tim Pope playground at ITC Community Sports Park, the artist-in-residence program and renovations at Villa Barr Art Park, youth scholarships, the annual Pour on the Shore fundraising event and Jessica’s Splashpad which is scheduled to open in summer 2024 at Bosco Fields Park.
Charley has served on the Board of Directors of the Novi Parks Foundation for over ten year and as a commissioner for the Novi Parks Recreation and Cultural Services Commission for over twenty-five years. He is a graduate of Illinois State University, Normal, Illinois with a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration. Charley and his wife Becky have lived in Novi for over forty-three years, where they have had three children graduate from Novi Community schools. It should be noted through his work and vision with the Novi Parks Recreation and Cultural Services Commission he championed the original build of the Tim Pope Play Structure located at ITC Community Sports Park and it’s rebuild and rededication in August, 2020.
Charley worked in the commercial property and casualty insurance industry for over forty-five years retiring from Accident Fund Insurance Company of America in 2022. During, this tenure he attained is Certified Insurance Counselor designation which he still maintains today. Charley has worked with non-profit organizations throughout Michigan, serving as President of the Novi Jaycees and Community Development Vice President for the Michigan Jaycees, where he was recognized as one of ten outstanding state vice-presidents by the United States Jaycees. During, his work with the Jaycees he was awarded a Junior Chamber International (JCI) senator and Ambassador designation. Becky and Charley are members of Prince of Peace Lutheran Church in Farmington Hills, where he presently is chair of the Board of Elders. Charley, has always believed and promoted NOVI as outstanding place to live, work and have fun.