Park Board Chair announces retirement of General Manager Susan Mundick

September 15 , 2009 (No. 52) - Raj Hundal, Chair of the Vancouver Board of Parks and Recreation announced today he has accepted a letter of retirement from General Manager Susan Mundick.

"Susan has been an incredible resource to both the Commissioners on the Board and to our staff," said Hundal. "While we had all hoped that she would continue her executive leadership of the organization, Susan feels that now is the right time to retire, and, as always, I respect her judgement in this decision."

Mundick joined the organization in 1998 and over the years has provided support and worked collaboratively with several successive Park Boards, Vancouver City Councils and Mayors. Offering strategic counsel to Board Commissioners, developing and directing strategic plans to revitalize aging infrastructure, identifying revenue opportunities through public/private partnerships, expanding parks and recreation programs and significantly increasing the City's green spaces, count among Mundick's many and varied achievements.

"Leaving a dream job is always a difficult decision," said Mundick. "But after 11 years and with a long checklist of accomplishments of which I am very proud, I feel that leaving now is the right decision and the right time. I'm looking forward to a new adventure – but not before I support the Board through an efficient and effective transition to new leadership."

Mundick has agreed to work with the Board to implement a smooth transition of executive leadership.

"Susan's commitment to accountability and transparency, dynamic leadership and her ability to get the best out of our amazing staff will be sorely missed, to say nothing of her 35 years of parks and recreation experience," said Hundal. "I'm sure I'm speaking for all our extended staff when I say we wish her the very best of luck in whatever retirement holds."

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For more information contact Joyce Courtney, Manager of Communications, at 604-257-8699

The Vancouver Board of Parks and Recreation maintains 220 parks and 40 major facilities throughout the City of Vancouver. The Park Board's mission is to provide, preserve and advocate for parks and recreation services to benefit people, communities and the environment.