Cobourg Announces New Director of Community Services

By Cecilia Nasmith/Today’s Northumberland

The Town of Cobourg has announced that, effective Feb. 7, Brian Geerts will be the new Director of Community Services.

Describing Geerts as a visionary leader in community services, the announcement listed more than a decade of experience managing parks and horticulture, recreation and facilities, as well as extensive operational experience as a public-sector professional between the City of Cambridge and the City of Brantford collectively.

Most recently, he was Acting Director of Parks, Recreation and Culture with the City of Cambridge.

Completing his Certified Municipal Officer designation through the Association of Municipal Managers, Clerks and Treasurers of Ontario, Geerts has a Master of Public Administration, Ecosystem Management Technician Certification and is a certified Project Management Professional (and has completed other professional courses over the years).

Chief Administrative Officer Tracey Vaughan said they are pleased to welcome Geerts to his new post.

“Mr. Geerts has a deep understanding of parks and recreation and community programming, and bring to the role a passion for community engagement and development and enhancing business operations that will serve Cobourg well,” Vaughan stated.

Geerts will be responsible for the planning, development and implementation of programs and activities that support the community and municipal priorities.

“Geerts exhibits a great understanding and passion for the environment, performance management and community engagement through effective leadership,” the press release said.

“I am excited to join this professional team in such a beautiful community,” Geerts observed.

“I look forward to working with the community to ensure everyone has access to meaningful opportunities and experiences, as we work together toward our common goals.”

Geerts will begin working on implementing the recommendations from the Service Level Delivery Review, Organizational Review and the 2019-2022 Strategic Plan. He will work closely with the Senior Leadership Team, municipal council, Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee members and community volunteers to deliver innovative, consistent and high-quality customer service, community engagement and resource management.