March 29, 2024
Annapolis, US 41 F

Annapolis Hires New Recreation & Parks Director

Mayor Joshua J. Cohen announced the appointment of Brian J. Woodward, who brings 24 years experience in the field of recreation and parks along with extensive experience in developing responsive and innovative programming, as the new Recreation and Parks Director.  The appointment is subject to City Council confirmation.

Most recently, Mr. Woodward served as Division Chief, Southern Region Parks for the Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission, Montgomery Parks.

As Division Chief, he led a staff of 171 career employees as well as seasonal employees and managed a $14 million dollar budget. 

“It is a pleasure to welcome Brian to Annapolis after a nationwide selection process,” Mayor Cohen said. “Brian loves Annapolis, and he lives and breathes recreation and parks.  I’m especially pleased that he brings the added perspective of having managed Anne Arundel County’s Greenways Master Plan.  His background in natural resources preservation will serve our City well.

“I also want to thank Dick Callahan who came back out of retirement to keep the department successfully running while we conducted our search for a replacement.”

Mr. Woodward is a member of both the National and Maryland Recreation and Parks Association, where he has served in leadership positions.  He has received a number of awards for his professional activities and is a member of the Flagship class of Leadership Anne Arundel in 1998. 

One notable accomplishment of Mr. Woodward’s is the implementation of the SmartParks asset management/facility condition software which includes a work order management system.  Mr. Woodward implemented the change in technology as well as the training and necessary culture change to make the program a success.

“The Annapolis Recreation and Parks Department is a first-class operation that does a wonderful job for its citizens,” Brian Woodward said. “The Department also faces many challenges, including fighting childhood obesity, ensuring accessibility and inclusion for all city residents, and implementing sustainable park maintenance practices, all while enduring funding difficulties. I am honored to be selected to lead this Department while we face these challenges and many additional ones in the future.”

Mr. Woodward is expected to assume control of the department after City Manager Michael Mallinoff presents his appointment to the City Council for confirmation on Monday, June 18th.

Mr. Woodward is a graduate of University of Maryland where he received his Bachelor of Science Degree in Resource Conservation and Wildlife Biology and obtained his Master of Science Degree in Public Administration from The George Washington University.

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