Sharen Jarzen is the new chief of the Planning, Research and Grants Division in the Department of Parks, Recreation and Entertainment.
WHAT DOES SHE DO?
“I provide support and guidance for the division who works directly with park projects, and I serve as a conduit for information between the divisions and departments. I also oversee the planning process.”
WHAT DO YOU ENJOY ABOUT YOUR JOB?
“The opportunity to contribute to the betterment of the community.”
WHAT DO YOU FIND MOST CHALLENGING?
“My own personal challenge on any job is to do quality work.”
HOMETOWN
Sherrodsville, Ohio, a small town in the northern Appalachian Mountains.
WHERE DO YOU LIVE NOW?
“Fernandina Beach. We moved to this area when my husband took the position of community development director for the City of Fernandina Beach.”
FAMILY
Jarzen’s husband, Robert, is also a professional planner. They have three sons, Thomas, Michael and Kenneth, and one granddaughter.
EDUCATION
She holds a bachelor’s degree in sociology from Kent State University. She also has a master’s degree in urban geography from Georgia State University.
WHY GO INTO THIS FIELD?
“A number of years ago, I volunteered as a member of a civic group that monitored many of the governmental meetings in the area where I lived. I became interested in the planning field while visiting the monthly meetings related to planning and zoning. I always had a spatial view of the world. I love maps and planning flows out of geography. I see the relationship between different types of land uses — residential, commercial and industrial — including the amenities that go along with that.”
THE PATH TO JACKSONVILLE
Stark County Regional Planning Commission in Canton, Ohio was her first employer in the planning field. Subsequently, Jarzen worked as the grant coordinator with the City of Kent, Ohio in addition to working as a private consultant. Relocating to Indianapolis, she then held a position with the State Department of Environment Management.
WHAT DO YOU THINK OF JACKSONVILLE?
“The mayor and the City Council have done much in pursuing initiatives such as the Better Jacksonville Plan that will benefit the city both now and in the future. There are so many advantages to living in Jacksonville such as the parks, natural areas and cultural amenities.”
WHAT DOES THE PARK SYSTEM NEED?
“All parks are in need of constant attention. They must continue to be maintained for the benefit of the community. There are many good parks projects in the works. My main focus is to continue on the path of completing the large number of park improvement projects that are currently being pursued.”
GARDEN VARIETY
Jarzen’s hobbies include needlework, visiting parks and historic sites and participating in the Amelia Island Handbell Ringers. She also enjoys dining out, traveling and reading, especially the Bible or a mystery novel. Her favorite film is “To Kill A Mockingbird.”
AFFILIATIONS
“I would like to become more involved in church activities and pursue activities related to civic organizations such as the Amelia Island Arts Academy.”
WHO’S YOUR HERO?
“Mother Teresa. I believe she related to the world in a loving manner and acted on that love.”
— by Monica Chamness