Lake Havasu City officially has a new helmsman—or should we say helmswoman—at the helm of its Parks and Recreation Department. Gabrielle “Gabby” Vera, a seasoned professional in the field with 15 years under her belt, has been chosen to lead, scheme, and possibly dream up the future of the city’s public spaces. Vera takes on the role after a stint as the Regional Park Superintendent for Maricopa County, as the official announcement details her accomplishments, which apparently include launching innovative programs to ostensibly boost community engagement and enjoyment of the great outdoors.
"After an extensive search, I am excited to announce the hiring of Ms. Vera as Lake Havasu City’s Director of Parks and Recreation. She comes to us with a passion to better the quality of life for our kids (of all ages) and an impressive background in recreation and parks maintenance,” City Manager Jess Knudson expressed, enthusiastically welcoming the new director. The city, it seems, is eager to see how Vera will continue to quickly grow its recreational offerings.
Prior to controlling Maricopa County's regional parks, Vera honed her skills in Phoenix and Miami-Dade, where she served as Recreation Coordinator II and Recreation Manager, respectively. With a degree in Business Administration, she’s not only been a coordinator and manager but is also a triple threat with certifications as a Certified Parks and Recreation Professional, Certified Aquatic Facilities Operator, and Certified Youth Sports Administrator. It doesn't end there—she's also leveling up her expertise by working towards a master's degree in Recreation Management from Northwest Missouri State University.
Vera is no stranger to the proverbial spotlight either, having shared her expert insights at national conferences and through published articles for the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA). "I am thrilled to be joining the Lake Havasu City Parks and Recreation department,” she told Lake Havasu’s official news release. “I’m eager to contribute to this vibrant community and work alongside other like-minded professionals. I’m most looking forward to connecting with my team, as well as our residents and visitors," she added, signaling an intent to not only run the program but to deeply embed herself within the communal fabric.
