Has more than a decade of experience as a parks and recreation professional
MOUNT VERNON, October 31, 2023 – The City of Mount Vernon has hired Jeff Derr as its new Recreation Director. His first day on the job was October 24, 2023.
Derr replaces Tanner Salyers, who was named Recreation Director early this year but had to resign from the position on October 16 upon being appointed the City’s new Safety-Service Director.
As Recreation Director, Derr will be responsible for managing the City’s many sports and recreation programs, rental facilities, outdoor park spaces, and tournaments.
“Jeff is coming on board just as the City is expanding its recreation opportunities beyond just the ball sports, although those of course will remain a big part of the job. He will play a major role in developing and updating our parks master plan, which is all about providing our residents with more and better ways to have fun as the City grows,” said Mayor Matthew Starr.
“We have a lot of faith in him.”
Derr is a graduate of Mount Vernon Nazarene University, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in sports management and exercise studies, as well as a Master of Arts in Education in health and physical education, K-12.
Derr has more than 13 years’ experience as a certified parks and recreation professional, beginning with three years as a recreation specialist for Grove City, Ohio, followed by 10 years as a recreation assistant manager for the Recreation and Parks Department of Columbus, Ohio. Derr, a Mount Vernon resident and native, is currently a membership sales representative for Knox Community Hospital’s Connections Fitness Center.
“It is truly an honor and privilege to be taking on this role with the City of Mount Vernon. I am very excited to be back in my hometown and look forward to developing our community’s Recreation Department to help grow and enhance the quality of life for our residents,” said Derr.
“There is great opportunity on the horizon, and I look forward to working with the various departments, community leadership, and supportive agencies throughout Mount Vernon and Knox County.”
