Dayton, OH – The Miami Valley Regional Planning Commission (MVRPC) hosted its Annual Spring Dinner on Thursday, April 30, 2026, at the Marriott at the University of Dayton. The annual dinner is a celebration of the accomplishments of the Region. MVRPC’s Chairperson and City of City of Troy Mayor, Robin I. Oda, First Vice-Chairperson and Greene County Commissioner, Richard "Dick" Gould, Second Vice-Chairperson and City of Trotwood Mayor, Yvette F. Page and Third Vice-Chairperson and Preble County Commissioner Rachael Vonderhaar along with MVRPC’s Executive Director, Brian O. Martin, presided over the event which was attended by nearly 300 guests. During the dinner, the Arthur D. Haddad Regional Steward award was presented to City of Dayton Commissioner Matt Joseph and the Regional Partner Award was presented to Michael M. Parks, President of The Dayton Foundation.

The Arthur D. Haddad Regional Steward Award recognizes someone with an innovative spirit for solving regional challenges; who builds broad support toward a shared regional vision; and who is a regional steward promoting economic, social and environmental progress.

Matt Joseph, City of Dayton Commissioner, received this award for his strong commitment to regional thinking, collaboration, and problem-solving. Mr. Joseph has served on MVRPC's Board of Directors and Executive Committee for the past 20 years, and has also served on the Institute for Livable and Equitable Communities Steering Committee since inception and recently as chairperson.

Brian O. Martin, MVRPC’s Executive Director, stated, “Matt’s years of dedication to improving his community as well as his support to the Region as an active member of the MVRPC Board of Directors and executive committee in addition to his leadership on the Institute Steering Committee embody the definition of this award”

The Regional Partner Award recognizes MVRPC’s partners who work together to achieve a common goal across the Region. 

Mike Parks, President of The Dayton Foundation received the Regional Partner Award for his leadership and collaborative spirit as CEO. Mr. Parks has helped grow The Dayton Foundation as a critical resource for our Region and he has propelled the organization into the top four of over 800 similar foundations in the nation.

“On behalf of the Miami Valley Regional Planning Commission, I would like to express gratitude to The Dayton Foundation and Mike's partnership and continued support of our agency” stated Mr. Martin, “Together and under his leadership we have achieved award winning solutions to support our residents.

The MVRPC Annual Spring Dinner was made possible by support from generous sponsors;

Established in 1964, the Miami Valley Regional Planning Commission promotes collaboration among communities, stakeholders, and residents to advance regional priorities. MVRPC is a forum and resource where the Board of Directors identifies priorities and develops public policy and collaborative strategies to improve the quality of life throughout the Miami Valley Region.

MVRPC performs planning and research functions for our Region that ensure livable and equitable communities; clean air and water; robust roadway, transit, and active transportation options; and strategic community plans that chart the course for member communities and partners. MVRPC’s geographic area includes Darke, Greene, Miami, Montgomery, Preble, Shelby, and northern Warren counties in Southwest Ohio. Learn more at mvrpc.org/our-region.