Gutgsell hired as Jasper’s new assistant park director

The Jasper Park Board approved hiring 37-year old Rob Gutgsell as the new assistant director in charge of operations.

Gutgsell is a Jasper native and Jasper High School graduate. He and his wife, Elizabeth, live in Jasper. They have a son, Robert.

He holds a Bachelor of Science in Natural Resources and Outdoor Recreation Management for Ball State University.

Gutgsell has been the assistant property manager at Patoka Lake since 2003.

He was selected from about 25 applicants for the position.

Gutgsell succeeds Mike Oeding, the long-time Jasper park assistant director who passed away last year. In thanking the board for the position, Gutgsell acknowledged Oeding’s impact on the city parks.  “I know I have some big shows to fill,” he said. “Mike got me into the recreational industry all those years ago.”

Gutgsell starts work on February 1.