June, 2015, After a nationwide search conducted by The Hawkins Company, the Seattle City Council has confirmed the appointment, by Mayor Edward Murray, of Jesús Aguirre as Superintendent of Seattle Parks and Recreation Department. He joins the Department at a critical time with the newly established taxing authority, the Seattle Parks District, a funding source to support the city’s parks and community centers. Aguirre started his new post June 1, 2015. Prior to this appointment, Aguirre was director of Washington, D.C.’s Department of Parks and Recreation for four years, until October 2013, when he was named D.C.’s state superintendent of education. Before overseeing D.C.’s parks, Aguirre was director of operations for D.C.’s public schools during the chancellorship of education reformer Michelle Rhee. Mayor Murray lauded Aguirre for successfully restructuring D.C.’s parks agency, which was foundering when he arrived there, and is personally committed to race and social justice. In his previous role, he oversaw $115 million in design and construction of new park facilities. His previous work reflected his commitment to social justice; tackling the backlog of work orders in D.C. and focusing on improving parks in underserved communities. The appointment of Aguirre symbolizes the City of Seattle’s commitment to bringing in diverse leadership and top talent to lead the City.
