JACKSON, Wyo. — Teton County and the Town of Jackson announced on Monday, April 7, that the position of Teton County/Jackson Parks and Recreation (Parks & Rec) Director was filled after a nation-wide search.
Tyler Florence will step into the new role on April 7, overseeing the Parks Division and the newly expanded Recreation Center.
“We are thrilled to welcome Tyler to Teton County as the new Parks and Recreation Director,” Teton County Commissioners’ Administrator Jodie Pond said via press release. “He brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise specific to Parks and Recreation and has spent his entire career serving the public.”
Teton County wrote that Florence comes to Teton County/Jackson Parks and Recreation with over 20 years of experience in the public sector, serving mostly as a Parks and Recreation professional.
According to Teton County, in his last position as the Assistant Director of Parks and Recreation for the City of Corpus Christi, Texas, Florence led a staff of 120 people, overseeing multiple divisions, capital projects, park operations, marketing and grants. He also managed the daily operations and maintenance of 194 city parks, established a new business model for the city’s 60+ sport fields, cut vacancies in half by implementing new pay and training incentives and deployed a department-wide maintenance management system two years ahead of schedule.
Prior to his time at the City of Corpus Christi, Florence’s work history includes serving as the Parks and Recreation Director for the City of Seward in Alaska; the Outdoor Recreation Director for the Navy Morale, Welfare and Recreation in Japan; the Outdoor Recreation Director at Lamar University; a Backpacking Coordinator in Durango Colorado; and Maintenance Team Leader for the U.S. Army at Fort Bragg, North Carolina.
Florence received a bachelor’s degree in Exercise Science, Health Promotion and Recreation from Colorado State University and earned a master’s degree in Parks, Recreation and Tourism from the University of Utah.
“I’m honored to join Teton County/Jackson Parks and Recreation and am excited to serve this incredible community,” Florence said in the announcement. “With the County’s stunning natural resources and the newly expanded Recreation Center, we have a tremendous opportunity to enhance outdoor and indoor recreation for residents and visitors alike. I look forward to working with the dedicated staff, community partners and local leaders to continue building a vibrant and accessible parks and recreation system for everyone to enjoy.”
Florence replaces Steve Ashworth, who resigned in December after 23 years as the Parks & Rec Director.
Teton County and the Town of Jackson wrote in the announcement that former Parks & Rec Director and former County Commissioners’ Administrator Steve Foster came out of retirement to serve as the Interim Director. Foster will assist Florence in the coming weeks to ensure a smooth and coordinated transition between directors, according to Teton County.
