The Trustees of the Oglebay Foundation have announced the hiring of a new president.

According to a news release from the foundation, Eriks Janelsins will be responsible for developing new major donors who might consider significant gifts, entering into planned giving arrangements, or creating estate plans.

The release stated Janelsins will "immediately become involved in expanding the contributor base of the foundation with an initial goal of attracting 1,000 new annual donors to the foundation. He will also work on increasing the contributions of existing annual donors."

Janelsins has been a Wheeling resident for the past 11 years. In 2003, he was named as the director of the Schrader Environmental Center at Oglebay, where he created and funded a wide variety of innovative projects and programs. He recruited and supported hundreds of volunteers in this process.

Janelsins will work with Randy Worls, chairman of the foundation board, on several fundraising initiatives for the foundation. Worls will also serve in the capacity of chief executive officer and will remain as a full-time employee.

Worls said Janelsins will be an important part of future major fundraising initiatives that will focus on the upgrade and endowment of existing park facilities. The foundations' news release stated, "While we do anticipate adding a few new significant facilities, the foundation's most important goal is to be able to keep the over 100 buildings, miles of roads, and grounds and landscaping in premium condition."

Janelsins said in the release that he is eager to begin the work with The Oglebay Foundation. He said, "Since 1923, when the citizens of Wheeling first began discussions about the creation of a public park, generous and visionary individuals have met the challenge of creating the country's only self-sustaining park system. Today the parks attract hundreds of thousands of visitors from across the country. At the same time the needs of the local community with free programs for youth and community organizations are met by funding provided by the Foundation."

He further stated, "No park system in the USA offers more opportunities than Oglebay and Wheeling Park for free recreation, education, and entertainment. The foundation for the future success of the parks has been laid, and I look forward to working together with the community as we work to attract substantial gifts and grants that will keep our parks for everyone forever."

Janelsins is involved on the boards of several national and state organizations and locally he serves as the Vice Chairman of the Board of Family Service of the Upper Ohio Valley. He was the past Chair of the Wheeling On Track Design Committee, and he is also a member of the Blue Pencil Club.