Great communities don’t just happen, they’re shaped by the people who care deeply and lead with purpose. In Centerville and Washington Township, Jason Riley, Wayne Davis and Mark Metzger are three such leaders, each serving in unique roles but united by a shared commitment to stewardship and public service.
Retired U.S. Army Colonel Jason Riley lends his leadership to local organizations that promote accessibility, inclusion and equity. As Centerville’s City Manager, Wayne Davis focuses on building strong relationships and delivering services that enhance the quality of life for all. Mark Metzger, recreation director for Washington Township, brings people together through events, programs and partnerships that foster community connection.
Though their professional backgrounds differ from military to municipal to recreation, each has chosen a path rooted in service. Whether creating inclusive public spaces, supporting local traditions or guiding the city’s strategic vision, they are helping to shape a thriving, welcoming community, one thoughtful decision at a time.
Ret. Col. Jason Riley
Chair, Centerville-Washington Diversity Council
For Jason Riley, serving others is a guiding principle shaped during his 25-year career in uniform. A retired U.S. Army Colonel, he served with the 82nd Airborne Division, U.S. Army Special Operations and as Commander of the U.S. Army NATO Brigade in Germany. Now a Centerville resident, he is the chair of the Centerville-Washington Diversity Council and a past member of the Centerville-Washington Park District Board of Commissioners.
Jason began volunteering with the park district shortly after moving to the area, driven by a strong desire to give back. Today, he focuses on ensuring that parks are accessible and welcoming to all. “Whether it’s adding multi-purpose paths, accessible equipment or a universal changing table, the park district strives to make parks available and inclusive for everyone,” he says.
All of Jason’s volunteer efforts reflect his commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility. He is involved with organizations such as The Access Center for Independent Living, Centerville-Washington Diversity Council and several veterans associations. “I try my best to help connect these groups so we can speak and advocate with a much louder voice,” he explains.
Jason is currently working to develop a new advocacy group focused on active transportation and mobility. Formed in partnership with Bike Centerville and the Diversity Council, the group promotes safer, more accessible routes for walking, biking and wheeling through the community. Their vision includes bike lanes, multi-use paths and consistently clear sidewalks.
“To me, service is empathy combined with action,” says Jason. And with every effort, Jason continues to turn that belief into a meaningful and lasting impact.
Wayne Davis
Centerville City Manager
Centerville’s City Manager, Wayne Davis, views civic leadership as more than managing a city; it’s about serving the people and committing to the greater good. “In local government, we are in the business of service, and that means building strong relationships with our residents, business owners, developers and community partners,” explains Wayne.
Wayne began his career working for the Comptroller of the Air Force at the Pentagon, later holding various roles in local governments before becoming city manager for the City of Centerville in 2017. Under his leadership, Centerville has implemented its second strategic plan, focusing on delivering innovative and value-driven services. “Add to that our ideal location, top-tier amenities, engaged partners and citizens, the clean, well-cared-for environment, and it is easy to see why Centerville stands out,” Wayne says.
In addition to his substantial role as city manager, Wayne enjoys spending time with his friends and family, including his six grandchildren. You might spot him taking in a Centerville Elks sporting event, enjoying a summer concert at Stubbs Park, playing any of the 27 holes at The Golf Club at Yankee Trace, or walking his beloved dog, Big Mo, on one of the many Centerville-Washington Park District trails. Wayne enjoys staying connected to the community that he serves.
For those who may be interested in a career in public service, Wayne has this advice to share: “Pursue it for the right reasons. Civic leadership is a noble calling rooted in service, not self-interest. It requires resilience, humility, vulnerability and a genuine commitment to the greater good. It’s not always easy, but the rewards are immense, especially when you see the impact our work has on helping people live better, more connected lives in their community.”
Mark Metzger
Washington Township Recreation/RecPlex Director;
President, Americana Festival Committee
A degree in theater might seem like a surprising start to a career in recreation, but for Mark Metzger, it was the perfect foundation. Now the recreation director for Washington Township and the Washington Township RecPlex, Mark began his career after earning a BFA in Directing and Stage Management and directing and producing children’s theater, an experience that sparked his interest in public service and community programming.
Mark took a contracted job to direct a children’s show at the newly renovated Town Hall Theatre. From there, he was offered a position to manage the century-old building and develop youth programming. “I'm most proud of the nearly two decades I spent building the children’s theatre programs at Town Hall Theatre. I've followed many of the performers over the years. Some went into theater, others became lawyers, leaders and professors, all using the tools they gained through live performance,” shares Mark.
Today, Mark’s role encompasses supervising all recreation programming for Washington Township and leading RecPlex improvements. Mark championed the first strategic plan and community needs assessment in 2019, which was followed by the completion of the Countryside Park Master Plan in 2023. “These efforts spurred strategic investment in our campus, including park and pond improvements as well as the upcoming Gateway Plaza, which will create a central gathering space and provide new and improved access to the park,” explains Mark.
Mark’s passion for service to his community was shaped by his mentor and the founder of the Americana Festival, Jim Reppert. “He said we all owe something back to the place we live...don’t assume someone else will do it. Assume the opposite and then do what you can to help.”