Emporia Recreation Commission Shares Updates on Search for New Director and Steering Committee Progress

Emporia Recreation Commission Shares Updates on Search for New Director and Steering Committee Progress

The Emporia Recreation Commission (ERC) is actively progressing in its search for a new Executive Director, aiming to finalize the appointment during the Board’s meeting on March 11, 2025.

This initiative follows the retirement of longtime director Tom McEvoy, whose tenure concluded on December 21, 2024.

Application Process and Timeline

As of January 23, 2025, the ERC has received nine applications for the Executive Director position. The application window remains open until February 9, 2025. Post-closure, each ERC board member will be assigned specific applicants for initial screening.

The selection process is structured to identify three to four finalists who will engage in comprehensive interviews. These interviews are scheduled for March 4, 2025, allowing candidates to interact with ERC staff, board members, and the public in 30-minute sessions.

Interim Leadership

In the interim, Amanda Gutierrez, previously the Assistant Director of Recreation Operations, has been appointed as the Interim Executive Director.

Gutierrez has expressed her commitment to maintaining the ERC’s mission and continuing to serve the community’s recreational needs during this transitional period.

Steering Committee and Future Plans

The ERC has established a special committee to oversee the hiring process and set parameters for the search. This committee comprises ERC Chair Jeremy Dorsey, Commissioner Mike Helbert, staff members Aaron Hammond and Stephanie Drescher, and two community members whose appointments are pending.

The committee is expected to present a report during the ERC’s November meeting, which will include discussions on appointing an interim director and outlining the timeline for selecting a permanent director.

Key Dates and Procedures

DateEvent
October 21, 2024Announcement of Tom McEvoy’s retirement and approval of separation agreement.
December 16, 2024Appointment of Amanda Gutierrez as Interim Executive Director.
January 1, 2025Official posting of the Executive Director job description.
February 9, 2025Application deadline for the Executive Director position.
March 4, 2025Interviews with finalists, including sessions with staff, board members, and the public.
March 11, 2025ERC Board meeting to finalize the appointment of the new Executive Director.

The ERC is diligently working to ensure a smooth transition in leadership, focusing on selecting a candidate who aligns with the organization’s goals and the community’s recreational needs. The structured timeline and involvement of various stakeholders reflect the commission’s commitment to transparency and effective governance.

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