Biography of Daniel M. Rice
Daniel M. Rice is the President and Chief Executive Officer of the Ohio & Erie Canalway Coalition, headquartered in Akron, Ohio.
The Ohio & Erie Canalway Coalition (OECC) is the regional non-profit organization working for the conservation, development and interpretation of the natural, historical and recreational resources along the Ohio & Erie National Heritage Canalway from Cleveland to New Philadelphia, Ohio. Since 1994, Mr. Rice has worked with over 100 community partnerships and raised over $25 million in development funds for the preservation of historic structures, the development of the 101-mile multi-use Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail and the conservation of natural resources along the Ohio & Erie National Heritage Canalway.
Mr. Rice is a native of Ohio, with a B.A. in history from the College of Wooster and M.A. in American History from the University of Akron. Upon receipt of his M.A., Dan worked as Curator of Interpretation for the Summit County Historical Society, where he was responsible for the preservation and conservation of over 250,000 artifacts, development of interpretive exhibits, and educational programming.
Mr. Rice is associated with numerous professional organizations within and outside the field of heritage development. He played a key role in the organization of the Alliance of National Heritage Areas in 1997, served as Chairman of this national organization from 1997-2001 and currently serves as Chairman of Heritage Development Institute Committee. Mr. Rice has served on numerous state boards and committees including, Ohio Heritage Area Partnership, and the Ohio Greenway Advisory Committee. Currently Mr. Rice serves as a Trustee and Past Chairman of the Canton/Stark County Convention & Visitors Bureau, Ohio Department of Natural Resources Canal Lands Advisory Committee, Summit County Natural Resource Assistance Committee for Clean Ohio and Ohio-To-Erie Trail Board of Trustee Member. In 1996, Mr. Rice received the National Conservation Partnership Award from the National Park Service and he is a 1999 graduate from the Leadership Akron program. In 2003, Mr. Rice received the Kodak American Greenways Award for his accomplishments, leadership and support for greenways, trails and heritage areas in Ohio and across the country. In 2004, Mr. Rice received the Urban Light Recipient award from The University of Akron and served as the opening speaker for the 28th Akron Roundtable series in Akron, Ohio. Mr. Rice has consulted with numerous organizations across the country including, Michigan, New York, Louisiana, North Carolina, Wyoming, Montana, Arizona, Hawaii, Georgia, Ohio, Indiana, Kansas, Mississippi, Iowa, Virginia and Pennsylvania. As a leader in the Heritage Development movement, Mr. Rice has provided organizations with assistance on organizational development, building public/private partnerships, fundraising strategies, management plans, and government relations.
Mr. Rice is married to Nancy Neagoy Rice and lives in Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio with their daughter Rachael.
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