BREC to add executive post
The commission that oversees East Baton Rouge Parish’s park system approved Thursday BREC Director Carolyn McKnight’s request to create a new executive position with a maximum salary of $142,416.
McKnight asked the East Baton Rouge Parish Park and Recreation Commission’s board to approve the hiring of a chief of management and business services to serve as a system administrator so she can spend more time interacting with the public.
She said after the meeting that she wants whoever is hired for the new position to also hold a law degree to help advise her on legal issues, such as risk management and personnel matters.
Several departments currently headed by the director will report to the new chief, she said. Those include Human Resources, Marketing and Public Relations, Finance and Information Technology.
The position will have a minimum salary of $91,803 and a maximum salary of $142,416, according to information provided by BREC.
Funding for the position would come from consolidating some unfilled positions, McKnight said.
“We have three vacancies at the executive level,” McKnight told the commissioners during their regular monthly meeting. “Those salaries ranged from $95,000 to $120,000.”
McKnight said she waited several months after starting as BREC’s superintendent earlier this year before attempting any major reorganizational steps.
“I wanted to come in and assess the agency before I made any personnel moves,” she said.
The nine-member commission that oversees the parks and recreation system in East Baton Rouge Parish unanimously assented to the request after it was recommended by the commission’s Human Resources Committee.
McKnight said she is still “polishing” the job description, but hopes to advertise it within 30 days.
Once the position is filled, McKnight said she hopes to get out in the community and better communicate with people about what BREC does.
McKnight also told the commission that according to her understanding, the commission could reconsider rolling forward its millage again next year.
“I think we should,” she said. If the millage stays the same, it could cost the park system $6 million next year, she said.