Story by Leslie Huffman | September 7, 2010 | Tags: Daniel Hopkins, Parks & Rec, TOC, town of Cary
Cary, NC – Cary Town Manager Ben Shivar has selected Daniel Peter “Danny” Hopkins to serve as the community’s next Director of Parks, Recreation, and Cultural Resources. His first day in his new role will be September 13, 2010.
Hopkins, 55, has been working in the recreation and parks arena for more than two decades. He was Shivar’s top pick from a pool of 168 applicants (!) from states as far away as Alaska, California, Texas, and Utah. He and his wife will relocate to Cary from Asheville, NC, where he most recently worked as the Superintendent for Recreation for the City of Asheville.
“I believe that Danny has the experience, enthusiasm, leadership, and commitment to service necessary to lead our program, and we’re looking forward to having him on board very soon,” said Shivar.
As the Town of Cary’s Parks & Rec Director, Hopkins will oversee a staff of nearly 70 regular employees and over 900 temporary employees that support the nationally accredited department’s efforts to provide a variety of recreation, sports, environmental, historical, and cultural arts facilities, programs and services. He replaces Mary Henderson, who retired in June after more than 30 years of public service.
“Cary’s consistent rankings as one of the best places to live in the nation is due in part to its high quality parks, recreation, and cultural programming and facilities, and I’m honored to have the opportunity to join such an outstanding organization,” said Hopkins.
Hopkins holds a Bachelor’s degree in Child Welfare and Recreation from the State University of New York – Empire State College – and an MBA in Human Resources Management from the University of Sarasota.
In addition to his work in Asheville, Hopkins has held leadership positions throughout Florida and also in Redmond, WA.
