Article Title

PBC Parks and Recreation Department Announces New Leadership Succession

Post Date

Rollup Image

PBC Parks and Recreation Department Announces New Leadership Succession

Body

jennifer cirillopaul connell
Caption from L to R: Jennifer Cirillo and Paul Connell

Palm Beach County Parks and Recreation Department (PBC Parks) announced Jennifer Cirillo as the new Director and Paul Connell as Deputy Director. 

Jennifer has served Palm Beach County for more than 18 years, the most recent 12 as Assistant Department Director for PBC Parks. In that capacity, Jennifer has successfully coordinated the department’s efforts related to strategic and succession planning, open space and master planning, accreditation preparation, operational best practices, and led the efforts for a diversity, equity and inclusion assessment that laid the foundation for years to come. 

She is passionate about community building, environmental equity and service through leadership— ideals she has promoted at the state and national level. Jennifer was instrumental in the process that led to the department becoming back-to-back finalists in 2017 and 2018 for the National Gold Medal Award for Excellence in Park and Recreation Management and for bringing home the award in 2018. Since then, she has served on the National Gold Medal Award Committee, reviewing applicants from top agencies across the country. 
 
Jennifer holds a master’s degree with specialization in Sports Administration from Lynn University and she received her B.S. in International Business from Florida Atlantic University.  She has been a Certified Park and Recreation Professional (CPRP) since 2010 and a Certified Park and Recreation Executive since 2020. Recently, she was awarded the Florida Recreation and Park Association Achievement Award for her service to the Association and the parks, recreation and leisure services profession.

Paul Connell, former PBC Parks Director of Special Facilities, assumes his responsibilities as Deputy Director. Paul has worked for the department since 1991, successfully leading multiple diverse work areas and operating a variety of cultural and recreational services, including five golf facilities, the Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens, the Jim Brandon Equestrian Center, three amphitheaters, concessions, and special events, providing economic value, health, environmental and social benefits to the community.

Paul holds a bachelor’s degree in Public Management, is a Certified Park and Recreation Professional, a board member of the National Association of County Park and Recreation Officials, and volunteers with his family to give back in meaningful ways to our community.   

This succession comes after former Director Eric Call’s retirement on September 30, following 39 years of service. 

The Palm Beach County Parks and Recreation Department, celebrating 50 years of providing healthy, happy living to residents and visitors to Palm Beach County, is recognized nationally for excellence in park and recreation management and provides organized recreational programs and services for people of all ages and abilities. Created in 1951 under the direction of the County Engineers Office, reorganization in 1972 led to the separation of Parks and Engineering and so the Palm Beach County Parks and Recreation Department was born. Discover healthy, happy living at www.pbcparks.com and follow @PBCParks and #pbcparks on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube and WordPress.

Attachments