Marie KnightLong Beach City Manager Pat West today named Marie Knight, formerly of the City of Orange, as the new director of the Long Beach Parks, Recreation and Marine (PRM) Department, the city announced.

Knight has spent the last 27 years in either local government or nonprofit leadership roles, most recently working for the City of Orange for nine years as the director of community services. Knight also spent time with the City of Newport Beach, as the director of Recreation and Senior Services, as well as time served as the director of Boys & Girls Clubs in Orange County Alliance and the Leisure Services Manager for the City of Garden Grove.

“Ms. Knight has an extensive background in parks, recreation and community services,” said West in a statement. “She also has valuable experience in project management, customer service, public engagement and organizational development, and will be a great addition to our City Management Team.”

Knight replaces George Chapjian, who was acting director of PRM from 2010 to June 2015. Chapjian left to take a similar position within Santa Barbara County’s Community Services Department.


 

Steven Scott served as interim director during the search for a permanent replacement.

“Stephen has done an outstanding job as Interim Director, and I want to thank him for his excellent leadership and stewardship,” said West in a statement.

Knight earned a bachelor’s degree in Business Communications from the University of Wisconsin, Madison, according to the city. She is also a speaker and member of the California Park and Recreation Society and serves on several community boards, according to a release.

“I am very excited for the opportunity to serve the entire Long Beach community as Director of Parks, Recreation and Marine,” stated Knight. “Long Beach’s parks, beaches, marinas and golf courses are some of the best in the nation, and I will devote my energy to making sure they continue to thrive and are accessible to everybody.”

Above, left: Photo courtesy of the City of Long Beach.