DeKalb hires new direct of Parks & Rec

DeKalb County CEO Michael Thurmond has selected Chuck Ellis as the county’s director of Recreation, Parks and Cultural Affairs, effective Feb. 26. Ellis will manage the department’s 200 full- and part-time employees and a budget of $12.8 million.

Ellis has served in government for 35 years, beginning in his hometown of Lexington, KY, where he had the unique experience of overseeing a 659-acre equestrian park that included therapeutic programs, indoor and outdoor programming and competition spaces and other programs and facilities dedicated to the public equine experience.

Most recently, he served as director of Parks, Recreation and Cultural Arts in Hollywood, FL, as well as the acting assistant city manager. Under his direction, his departments became nationally accredited and received many awards and distinctions.

In DeKalb County, Ellis will oversee the department’s 112 parks, 10 recreation facilities, two golf courses and premier attractions including Davidson Arabia Mountain Nature Preserve, Porter Sanford III Performing Arts and Community Center and Little Creek Farm Conservancy.

Ellis received a Bachelor of Arts from University of Kentucky and a Master of Public Policy and Administration from The Martin School at University of Kentucky. He is a Certified Parks and Recreation Professional designated by the National Recreation and Parks Association.