PEORIA, Ariz. (June 25, 2012) – Peoria City Manager
Carl Swenson announced today that John Sefton, Deputy Director of Parks and
Recreation for the city of Tucson since 2007, is his selection as the new
Community Services Director for the city. He will be presented to the Peoria
City Council at their July 3 City Council Meeting for confirmation.
In his role in Tucson, Sefton oversaw 128 Parks, 27 pools, 19 recreation
centers/special interest areas, a zoo, and Hi Corbett Field, formerly the Spring
Training home for the Colorado Rockies and new home of University of Arizona
baseball.
Sefton has more than 18 years experience in parks
and recreation service delivery and planning in both the public and private
sectors. Before going to Tucson, he designed and managed the recreation
facilities and programs for the communities of Anthem and Merrill Ranch in
Florence.
Sefton is taking a position within the city which
has been vacant since 2011. Management and Budget Director, Jeff Tyne, has been
the interim director until a replacement was found. Tyne will move back to his
previous role on a fulltime basis.
"I’m excited to serve such a premier Arizona city,
and look to contribute to the current services and amenities," said Sefton. "I
look forward to leading the team in creating a sustainable and attractive future
that all of Peoria’s citizens can be proud of,"
Peoria did a national focused search with the help
of Bob Murray & Associates from Roseville, Calif. and invited five finalists,
including two internal candidates, to interview with the City's executive team.
More than 224 applied for the position.
"To be able to attract and then to hire someone of
the caliber of John is a testament to the quality of our parks and recreation
programs and the reputation of Peoria," said Swenson. "John's experience with
Spring Training, parks development and programs, and quality of life programs
will be a tremendous asset for the city."
Sefton is a certified Park and Recreation
Professional and holds a Certificate in Public Policy and Management from
University of Arizona. John obtained a bachelors degree in Business Management
from Arizona State University and is currently obtaining a Masters in Community
Planning and Land Use from Northern Arizona University, graduating in 2012.
His starting salary will be $135,000 and he will
officially begin his duties on August 20.
