Stockton has hired a new director of the department responsible for the city’s libraries and recreation programs.
Donte Watson will start work as Stockton’s Community Services Director on June 15, according to a city press release Thursday. Watson was formerly chief of parks and recreation for Santa Rosa, officials said.
As director, Watson will oversee Stockton’s recreational facilities, including parks and pools, as well as city-sponsored activities such as swim lessons, sports and after school programs. He’ll also oversee the city’s library system.
Stockton has been without a permanent community services head since December, when former director Kris Farro left and started working for Walnut Creek, according to her LinkedIn. That month, Audree V. Jones-Taylor started work as the department’s interim leader.
City Manager Johnny Ford praised Watson in the city’s release Thursday.
“He has spent his career in parks, recreation, and community services, and he knows how to build programs that bring people together,” Ford said.
Among Watson’s accomplishments are leading a collaboration that resulted in Santa Rosa’s acquisition of land for the Southeast Greenway, an urban park and open space, according to Thursday’s release and the greenway’s website.
Beyond his experience in Santa Rosa, Watson also worked for Oakland’s parks department for more than 13 years, the release said. He holds a bachelor’s degree in politics from the University of California, Santa Cruz, his LinkedIn states.
“I’m ready to get to work alongside the community, the department’s dedicated staff, and our partners to build on what’s already strong here and grow what’s possible,” Watson stated in Thursday’s press release.
“Donté brings the experience, the heart, and the vision Stockton deserves in this role,” Mayor Christina Fugazi said in the release.