SPRD taps Garrett as executive director

Sisters Park & Recreation District has a new executive director.

The Sisters Park & Recreation District board of directors announced that Todd Garrett has been chosen for the post until recently held by Liam Hughes, who has moved on to a position in Pendleton.

According to Sisters Park & Recreation District Board Chair Bob Keefer, "We had three excellent candidates but Todd's deep and diverse experience in the field of recreation caused him to rise to the top of our list."

Todd is the former director of the fairgrounds in Missoula County, Montana, where he facilitated the development of a master plan in conjunction with a citizen advisory committee and brought new activities such as a ranch rodeo to the fairgrounds.

Prior to that, Garrett was responsible for public recreation access for the Montana Fish, Wildlife and Park Department as well as acting as an ex-officio game warden. He also served as the recreation coordinator and interim director of the City of Whitefish Parks and Recreation Department. Garrett holds a bachelor's degree in recreation management from the University of Montana.

"I'm excited to join the great staff at Sisters Park & Recreation District and to become part of the community of Sisters," he said.

With a local option tax initiative on the May 16 ballot, Garrett steps into the position at a time of great flux, the organization acknowledged.

"I understand the importance of this initiative to the future of Sisters Park & Recreation District," Garrett said. "I am prepared to do whatever I can between now and May 16 to convince voters in the district that the organization will be in good hands in years to come."

Keefer said, "The board wishes to extend its heartfelt thanks to Interim Executive Director Kris Harwell for stepping in to take over the leadership reins when the former executive director, Liam Hughes, moved on to a position in Pendleton."