PARA Executive Director Gary Minor To Retire At End Of The Year

TUSCALOOSA, AL — Tuscaloosa County Park & Recreation Authority Executive Director Gary Minor has announced he will retire at the end of the year, after serving more than a decade in the position.

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PARA Board of Directors received the announcement during its meeting on Tuesday, with his retirement effective Dec. 31, 2022. Information regarding an interim executive director and the search for Minor's replacement will be announced at a later date.

“Working as Executive Director for PARA has been the highlight of my life and my career," Minor said in a statement on Tuesday. "I love this organization and our community immensely. I am proud of our service and accomplishments during my tenure in this leadership role with PARA."

Board Chair Peggy Hogue thanked Minor for his service after he first came to PARA as a program coordinator in 2004, before serving as executive director since 2011.

"I can’t think of anyone who deserves to be able to do a little more hiking, canoeing, camping and fishing than Gary," she said. "He leaves a tremendous legacy and will be greatly missed. We wish him and his family the very best."

PARA pointed out that Minor is the third of only three executive directors since the organization’s creation in 1969.

During his time at the helm, PARA won the Alabama Recreation and Parks Association (ARPA) “Agency of the Year” award in 2015 and 2020.

PARA also reported that its revenues returned to the community rose to 43% in 2020-2021, where the national average for the typical agency is 27.3%.

Minor also was credited with overseeing the construction of the Faucett Center, Tingle Center, Tuscaloosa Tennis Center and McDonald Hughes Community Safe Room — among other accomplishments.

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