After reviewing more than 100 applications, the Rancho Simi Recreation and Park District’s board of directors has selected its next district manager.
Steve Wright, currently the chief of strategic partnerships for Harris County Precinct Four in Houston, will begin leading the special district that serves Simi Valley and Oak Park on Aug. 3. The board voted 5-0 to approve his appointment July 15.
“My primary focus is to be part of a legacy team, one that culminates in my years of experience, passion and innovation to help leave something that is not only transformational but generational,” Wright wrote in a July 17 news release. “I have the passion to continue to help advance the quality of life embodied by the Rancho Simi Recreation and Park District.”
A former Simi Valley resident, Wright succeeds Dan Paranick, who announced in March that he would retire Aug. 1 after eight years in the role.
Paranick took a leave of absence in November after allegations surfaced of intoxicated and aggressive behavior at a Ventura County Young Republicans event. In February, a board member initiated legal action against the agency, accusing Paranick of harassing and discriminating against him due to his learning disability.
As district manager, Wright will oversee operations of the district’s 51 parks, 21 recreation facilities and roughly 600 staff while acquiring and preserving open space.
He will serve a two-year term and earn $250,000 each year, according to his employment agreement. His benefits will include health insurance, 25 days of annual leave, a monthly vehicle allowance, a retirement plan and up to $10,000 in relocation assistance.
Wright, who has more than three decades of experience in the public and private sector, previously served as a director of parks and recreation for the cities of College Station and Houston and as a vice president for the YMCA of Greater Houston, according to the district.
Though he currently lives in Texas, he and his wife raised their daughters in Simi Valley and look forward to returning, the news release states.
“The board is excited to welcome Steve Wright home,” Board Chair Brian Dennert wrote in the release. “His talents, experiences and passion will help us deliver on our projects and programs for the community he’s returning to.”
Makena Huey is an investigative and watchdog reporter for the Ventura County Star. Reach her at makena.huey@vcstar.com. This story was made possible by a grant from the Ventura County Community Foundation's Fund to Support Local Journalism.
This article originally appeared on Ventura County Star: Rancho Simi board picks new district manager to oversee 51 parks, more
