SPRD hires new executive director

The Sisters Park & Recreation District (SPRD) Board of Directors announced last week that Jennifer Holland of Springfield will serve as the organization’s executive director .

In April, the board received 19 applications for the open executive director position.

Holland applied at the time but withdrew her candidacy due to an illness in the family. The board reported that when that process did not yield a new executive director, the board reached out to Holland to ask if she would reconsider her decision to withdraw. In May, Holland visited the District for interviews with the board, community partners, and staff.

According to SPRD, everyone involved in the process, including Holland, thought she would be a good fit for the position and Sisters Country.

Board President Jeff Tryens said, “the board is thrilled that Jennifer has agreed to lead our team. Our 18-month journey in search of a new executive director has culminated in finding someone who is superbly qualified to take SPRD to a new level of service to the community.”

Holland has been employed with Willamalane Park and Recreation in Springfield, Oregon for 17 years, most recently as the program manager of the Bob Keefer Center for Sports and Recreation. While at Willamalane, Holland’s accomplishments included increasing youth programming by developing and maintaining community partnerships, reducing the reliance of subsidy for program and facility operations and executing many successful community events.

Jennifer’s son, Cal, will be entering sixth grade at Sisters Middle School and enjoys baseball, video games, and spending time with his dog, Griffin.

“I am so honored to be given the opportunity to lead Sisters Park & Recreation District,” Holland said. “Cal and I consider ourselves very lucky to be moving to such a warm and welcoming community.”