Appointed January 2013
Growing up in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains in southern Virginia, John was introduced to nature and the environment at a young age. Although barely 10 years old, John and his twin brother were so familiar with the plants, mammals and insects that inhabited the woods surrounding their home that they often were called upon by the local college to give guided tours for the school’s biology students.
John’s educational background includes Albion (Michigan) College, the University of Michigan, and The Ohio State University College of Law. He has advanced certification in the fields of finance, employee benefits, pensions and investments.
He served in the military with a refueling unit of the Air National Guard/Air Force Reserves.
John started his business career as a financial analyst for Dun & Bradstreet/Moody Investment Services. Later, he became director of sales for a pension and employee benefits consulting firm. For the past 40 years, John has served as CEO of Bader/Scott & Associates, Inc., working in the fields of bank marketing, mergers and acquisitions, and private investments.
John lives in Powell and has two children, two stepchildren and eight grandchildren. He is active in community service, and past and present activities include: past president and Rotarian of the Year with the Dublin/Worthington Rotary Club, and co-founder of its charitable foundation; past president of the Worthington Hills Civic Association; former track coach for Thomas Worthington High School; life member of The Ohio State University President’s Club; and involvement in numerous civic, business and community organizations.
Other community positions helped prepare John for his position as Park Commissioner. He helped draft the environmental impact statement in connection with a proposed southern Delaware County waste treatment facility, and served on the committee for the Olentangy Heritage Corridor State Scenic Byway study. He also was instrumental in drafting the covenants and restrictions for a nature preserve in South Carolina. John serves in his neighborhood as a trustee for The Woodlands Architecture Control Commission, and as director of the homeowners association.
John became interested in Preservation Parks several years ago, and established a bird sanctuary at Deer Haven Preserve in honor of his late wife. The Amy Clark/Bader Bird Sanctuary and The Lodge became a reality through the efforts of many dedicated park employees and the Park District’s executive director. Their enthusiasm and vision for the future in maintaining and expanding the park system throughout Delaware County was a contributing factor as to why John decided to join the team.
