CITY MANAGER NAMES
DIRECTOR OF PARKS & RECREATION
Salina City Manager Jason Gage has appointed Chris Cotten as the new Director of Parks & Recreation. The search generated 84 candidates from across the country.
Residing in Normal, Illinois, Chris serves as director for the City of Normal Parks & Recreation Department after gaining over 11 years of director experience in Missouri with the City of Joplin and City of Harrisonville. His 20-year career includes experience with community centers, aquatics, facility construction and professional sports. Chris obtained a bachelor’s degree from Drury University and a master’s degree from Texas State University. He has also had community involvement as a youth soccer coach.
City Manager Gage states:
"Chris has a blend of unique experience and perspective that make him a great fit for this position. His leadership ability and multi-faceted background will help our department continue and expand the many successful initiatives already in place.”
He succeeds Dion Louthan who served as director for five years before relocating to the west coast. Chris will join the City of Salina staff in July.