City of Fort Collins Hires LeAnn Williams as next Director of Recreation

The City of Fort Collins is excited to announce the hiring of LeAnn Williams as the new Director of Recreation. The Recreation Director oversees the operations of the Recreation Department, manages staff, programming, and facilities, and also works closely with the Community Services Division on shared goals and objectives. With ten facilities, a full-time staff of 41, part-time staff of 364, and an $11 million budget, the Recreation Department actively supports one of the City's seven Strategic Outcomes: Culture and Recreation.

Ms. Williams has served as the Recreation Manager for the City of Loveland since 2017. Prior to that, she was the Recreation Supervisor and then District Manager for the Tehachapi Valley Recreation and Park District. Williams also served in several collegiate basketball coaching roles. LeAnn has a Master of Science in Physical Education, Exercise & Sport Science from the University of Central Missouri, as well as a Bachelor of Arts in Communication from Hastings College. LeAnn is a Certified Parks and Recreation Executive (CPRE).

"I am humbled and honored to be selected for this role after participating in a rigorous process alongside several well-qualified candidates," Williams says. "I truly believe that recreation is the fabric of our community, and I am excited to bring my expertise and passion for the field of recreation to the city that I call home."

The Recreation Director reports to the Community Services Director. Community Services includes the Parks, Recreation, Natural Areas, Cultural Services, and Park Planning & Development departments.

Williams will begin her new role in February. She replaces Aaron Harris, who has served as Interim Director since November of 2020. He will return to his former position within Recreation.