Title
Consider a memorandum/resolution approving the appointment of an Executive Director of Parks and Recreation.
Body
DATE: August 20,2024
TO: Kent Cagle, City Manager
FROM: Eva Bark, Executive Director of Human Resources
SUBJECT: Appointment of an Executive Director of Parks and Recreation
BACKGROUND AND FINDINGS:
On May 10, 2024, the position of Executive Director of Parks and Recreation became vacant.
Human Resources posted the vacancy on the City’s website, the Texas Municipal League, the Texas Recreation and Park Society (TRAPS), the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA), and Indeed.com. The City received applications from fifty (50) candidates who met the minimum qualifications. The City narrowed the candidates to six (6) semifinalists, with municipal government experience and who were interviewed on June 21st. The candidates were then further narrowed to three (3) finalists. The finalists were interviewed on July 8, 2024, by a panel of City leadership and a panel of Parks and Recreation employees.
Mr. Cagle extended a conditional job offer to Mr. Antonio Murphy. Mr. Murphy has twenty (20) years of Parks and Recreation experience, serving the City of Chester, South Carolina; Mecklenburg County, North Carolina; the City of Gastonia, North Carolina; the City of Baltimore, Maryland; and most recently, Chatham County, Georgia as the Assistant/Deputy Director of Parks and Recreation.
Mr. Murphy has demonstrated strong leadership and management abilities in various supervisory roles since 2003. He has experience in hands-on recruitment and leading outreach initiatives, as well as building strong community partnerships and participating in city-wide agency collaborations. Additionally, Mr. Murphy brings a proven ability to provide operational direction, strategic planning, and a solid understanding of financial operations and fiscal responsibility.
Mr. Murphy received his Bachelor of Science in Sport Management and a Bachelor of Business Administration from Winthrop University, Rock Hill, South Carolina.
Mr. Murphy’s job offer is conditioned upon the following:
• Selection confirmation by the Killeen City Council
• Commencing employment on September 23, 2024
THE ALTERNATIVES CONSIDERED:
N/A
Which alternative is recommended? Why?
Staff recommends approving the appointment of Mr. Antonio Murphy. Mr. Murphy brings over twenty (20) years of experience in parks and recreation and the most recent experience with Chatham County, Georgia.
CONFORMITY TO CITY POLICY:
This action conforms to city policy. Executive director appointments are subject to approval by the City Council pursuant to Section 29 of the City Charter.
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
What is the amount of the revenue/expenditure in the current fiscal year? For future years?
The annual base salary of the position is $125,000, plus a $3,000 annual car allowance, a $7,500 relocation allowance, and associated benefits. The prorated amount through the end of the fiscal year 2024 is estimated at $12,813, salary and benefits.
Is this a one-time or recurring revenue/expenditure?
This is a recurring expenditure with the exception of the relocation allowance which is a one-time expenditure.
Is this revenue/expenditure budgeted?
Yes, funds are available in the General Fund Parks and Recreation Department salary and benefits accounts 010-3001-425.40-05 through 010-3001-425.40-89.
If not, where will the money come from?
N/A
Is there a sufficient amount in the budgeted line-item for this revenue/expenditure?
Yes.
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends that the City Council approve the City Manager's appointment of Mr. Antonio Murphy as the City of Killeen’s Executive Director of Parks and Recreation.
DEPARTMENTAL CLEARANCES:
• City Manager
• City Attorney
• Finance
ATTACHED SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS:
Resume
Presentation