Forsyth County Welcomes New Parks and Recreation Department Director

The Forsyth County Parks and Recreation Department will have a new director next month.

Jim Pryor will officially take over the reins of the department on Oct. 13, according to a statement released by the county on its website. Pryor, a Certified Parks and Recreation Executive, holds a master’s degree in sports management and leisure services from Appalachian State University.

Pryor has served as the director of the Brunswick County, NC Parks and Recreation Department since August, 2008. Prior to that assignment, Pryor held a similar office in Kernersville, NC between 2001 and 2008.

Once Pryor begins work next month, his priorities will include directing the department’s operational and managerial functions, as well as strategic planning for the department’s many activities. County Manager Doug Derrer said that Pryor will prepare and manage the department’s budget. evaluate the effectiveness and efficiency of department operations, and supervise department personnel.

“We are very pleased to welcome Jim to the county staff,” Deputy County Manager Tim Merritt said in a statement. “Jim has participated in many parks and recreation program accreditations across the nation. Therefore, he has seen how the best of the best deliver services and brings this knowledge to our parks and recreation programs. Jim will identify new and exciting opportunities to deliver parks and recreation services to all our citizens in a cost effective manner and bring us to the next level of service and professionalism.”