After more than 35 years of public service in local government, Goleta’s first Parks and Recreation Manager, JoAnne Plummer, has taken on a new leadership role at the City. She began her next career chapter as the City’s Neighborhood Services Director on June 17th. She was selected following a competitive hiring process and three decades spent serving in various positions of local government, including the last eight years working at the City of Goleta.
Goleta’s Assistant City Manager and former Neighborhood Services Director Jaime Valdez said she is well prepared and deserving of this new opportunity. He added, “Ms. Plummer brings a unique blend of polished skills and high energy to the role as well as a “Happy to Help” attitude. In addition to her extensive knowledge in Parks and Recreation operations, she also has an expertise and focus on forward-facing programing and projects making her a perfect fit to lead the varying functional areas in the Neighborhood Services Department.”
Ms. Plummer said, “I am so honored and excited to step into this new position to lead a team of talented and dedicated professionals. Together, we will continue to support and enhance our community through the vital services the Neighborhood Services Department provides.”
Ms. Plummer started her career in public service at the City of Santa Maria where she spent 11 years in various positions. She began as a part time swimming pool clerk, advancing to lifeguard and swim instructor. She was promoted to Assistant Pool Manager before working her way up to Cultural Arts Program Coordinator, Special Events Program Coordinator, and then Aquatic Facility Specialist. Next, she took on the roles of Recreation Supervisor and Recreation Manager at the City of Lompoc where she spent 19 years. Her move to become the first Parks and Recreation Manager for the City of Goleta occurred in November 2016.
In her eight years as Goleta’s Parks and Recreation Manager, Ms. Plummer has accomplished several important projects for our community:
- Armitos Park renovation with the City’s first community garden
- Construction of Jonny D. Wallis Neighborhood Park
- Direct management of the Goleta Community Center
- A new Multi-Purpose Field at the Goleta Community Center
- New playgrounds at Andamar, Berkeley and Winchester II Parks
- Installation of a fitness station at Winchester I Park
- Parks Master Plan
- Stow Grove Park Master Plan
- And more coming soon!
As the Neighborhood Services Director, Ms. Plummer oversees the following divisions: City and Community Development Block Grants, Emergency Services, Homelessness Services, Library, and Parks and Recreation which includes overseeing the Goleta Community Center.
Join the City in congratulating Ms. Plummer on becoming Goleta’s next Neighborhood Services Director.