Chris Witkowski named new director of Camas Parks and Recreation Department

Following a national search, city of Camas leaders have selected a new parks and recreation director. Chris Witkowski, one of four finalists for the position, will begin his new job on May 5. Trang Lam, the city’s former parks and recreation director, left the city in August 2024 after being named the Port of Camas-Washougal’s new chief executive officer. Camas Communications Director Bryan Rachal has been filling in as the city of Camas’ interim parks and recreation director since Lam’s departure. According to Camas Mayor Steve Hogan, Witkowski stood out as “the clear choice” for the role. “Chris’ experience and pedigree made him the clear choice in the process,” Hogan said in a news release. “While the other candidates were stellar, Chris had everything we need currently and everything we want for the future of our parks and recreation department. We’re very excited to see how he’ll move the department forward and build on the foundation of previous parks directors.” Prior to his move to Camas, Witkowski spent 13 years with the city of Lethbridge in Alberta, Canada, serving as Lethbridge’s parks planning manager, parks development manager and parks infrastructure coordinator. During that time, he served in key leadership roles in the planning, development and operation of the city’s parks and recreation system, which includes a network of 150 parks, 2,000 acres of urban park space, 150 miles of pathways, and a number of playgrounds, sports fields, ice rinks and aquatic features. Witkowski also focused on advancing inclusion in municipal services with lead roles on Lethbridge’s strategic plan for inclusion, diversity, equity and accessibility and its master plan for mobility and accessibility. “I am very honored to have been chosen as Camas’ next parks and recreation director,” Witkowski said in a news release. “Throughout the recruitment process, I was continually impressed with the city’s recreational offerings and the pride shown in the parks and recreation system by staff, community partners and residents. As I step into the new role, community conversations will be a high priority for me. I’m looking forward to collaborating on new ideas as we continue to strengthen parks and recreation services in Camas.” Born and raised in Connecticut, Witkowski has worked in land surveying, civil engineering, and parks and recreation in New Hampshire, Colorado and Alberta. He holds a bachelor of arts degree in geography from Keene State College and a master of public administration degree from Villanova University. Witkowski said he enjoys running, cycling and hiking and is seeking suggestions from Camas-area residents on the best cycling routes and hiking trails in the area. the Whatcom Artists Studio Tour in 1994.

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