LB Parks, Rec and Marine director to lead community services in Santa Barbara County

George Chapjian, director of Parks, Recreation and Marine (PRM), this week announced his resignation from the City of Long Beach to accept a position as director of the Community Services Department for Santa Barbara County. Chapjian was appointed PRM director in January 2011, and he also has extensive experience in community development and neighborhood revitalization, according to city officials.

“My time spent in Long Beach will always have a special place in my heart,” Chapjian said. “It has been so wonderful to see how we help the community enrich their lives through our parks, marinas and programming, and I’m going to miss working with our incredibly professional, dedicated, hard-working staff in Long Beach.”
Under his leadership, PRM won the National Gold Medal Award for Excellence in Parks and Recreation by the National Parks and Recreation Association in 2013. Chapjian oversees an annual budget of $52 million, 1,300 full and part-time staff, and the nation’s largest municipally owned marina.
“I will always be grateful to George for serving our city with passion and expertise,” said City Manager Patrick West. “He and his team have helped thousands and thousands of people learn new skills, adopt a pet, live a healthier lifestyle or just enjoy a beautiful day at one of our wonderful parks. We wish him the best and hope that he succeeds in his new position as much as he did here.”
Chapjian’s last day with the City of Long Beach will be June 26, 2015. The City will conduct a nationwide search for his successor, considering both internal and external candidates who choose to apply, according to city officials. Upon Mr. Chapjian’s departure, the West will appoint an interim director to lead PRM until the selection process is complete.
Chapjian holds multiple degrees from the University of Southern California, including a master’s of social work, a master’s of gerontology and a bachelor’s in psychology.
Prior to his appointment in Long Beach in 2011, Chapjian was the director of the City of Glendale’s Community Services and Parks Department for eight years. In addition to managing the city’s park department, he also administered arts and culture programs, grant administration, federal Community Development Block Grant programs and homeless programs. Prior to that position, he worked for the City of Pasadena in Neighborhood Revitalization, Human Services and for the City Manager’s Office.
Source: City of LB