Sonya Shaw has accepted the Town of Garner's offer to serve as Parks and Recreation Director.  Shaw is a 37-year old native of Washington, NC who is presently serving as Parks and Recreation Director for the City of Goldsboro, NC (population 37,396).  Prior to her service in Goldsboro, Shaw was employed by the Town of Chapel Hill (population 53,416) for 15 years—most recently working as Community Celebrations, Arts, and Programs Division Supervisor.  She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Recreation Administration from UNC-Chapel Hill and two Master's degrees in Public Administration and Counseling (Summa Cum Laude) from NC Central University. She holds memberships in the NC Recreation and Park Association, the National Recreation and Park Association and is a member of the Raleigh Alumnae Chapter of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority.  

The Town of Garner filled the Parks and Recreation Director position after the completion of an extensive nationwide search process which included a two-day assessment center, an interview with the Town Manager and Assistant Town Manager, and a thorough background check.  The Town received 96 applications for this position.  Eight individuals from across the United States participated in the assessment center.  

Shaw will begin work on December 18, 2008.  "I'm very pleased that Sonya has agreed to join our team here in Garner.  She will bring enthusiasm, professionalism, and a wealth of recreation experience to this role.  The experience she has gained in Goldsboro and Chapel Hill will be extremely beneficial to the Town of Garner."  Watkins noted that Shaw supervised 38 staff members, 13 recreation facilities, and an 18-hole golf course in Goldsboro.  She was responsible for overseeing construction of a new Goldsboro Recreation Center and passive park (Stoney Creek Park), developing a new department brochure, improving marketing, outreach and publicity for programs, and guiding a master recreation and parks plan process for Goldsboro.  "I believe that Sonya will bring her outgoing and friendly approach to Garner and will use those traits to get a great deal accomplished here to make the quality of life better for all Garner residents," stated Town Manager Hardin Watkins.

"It will be an honor serving as the Parks and Recreation Director for a Town which obviously cares for the parks and facilities of the town, as well as the recreational opportunities available for all of its citizens. I look forward to connecting with the community and being closer to my family," stated Shaw. 

Please contact Town Manager Hardin Watkins or Human Resources Director Sheila Cain at 919-772-4688 if you need further information.

Related Links

1. http://www.garnernc.gov
2. http://www.garnerparks.org