New Parks and Recreation Director Selected for Encinitas

Encinitas, CA — A new parks and recreation director has been appointed for the city of Encinitas.

City Manager Karen Brust has appointed Jennifer Campbell to the role, effective July 5, according to a news release issued Wednesday by the city.

Campbell comes to Encinitas with over 18 years of experience in municipal government, most of which has been in the field of parks and recreation.

For the past two-plus years, she has been serving as the assistant city manager for the city of Glendale, Arizona, providing leadership overseeing development services, public works and the city's water department.

"Ms. Campbell brings a wealth of experience with a focus on customer service," said Encinitas City Manager Karen Brust. "Her warm and approachable communication style will foster a supportive and customer serving environment for the community to enjoy."

Campbell is a certified park and recreation professional, a certified public manager, possesses a Smartscape Certification and is a Parks Maintenance Management School graduate.

She earned a master’s degree in education with an emphasis in leadership and public administration from Northern Arizona University and a bachelor’s degree in recreation management from the University of Arizona.

Prior to her position in Glendale, Campbell was progressively promoted through the ranks in the field of parks and recreation as a recreation coordinator, recreation and aquatics supervisor, recreation and aquatics superintendent, parks and recreation superintendent and was eventually promoted to community services director at the city of Maricopa, Arizona.

She has also been an adjunct professor at a community college teaching recreation classes since 2003.

"I'm excited to be joining the dedicated team of civic leaders at the city of Encinitas," Campbell saidl "I know how much residents and the broader community value their parks, beaches and trails. I look forward to collaborating with residents and city staff to provide meaningful experiences for everyone enjoying these community treasures."

Campbell will fill the role vacated by former Parks and Recreation Director Lisa Rudloff, who resigned in March. Jim O'Grady took on the position on an interim basis after Rudloff's departure.

The city's announcement about Campbell did not include information about her salary.