James Howell
Staff Writer
jhowell@heartlandpublications.com
Ashe County Manager Pat Mitchell has appointed Scott Turnmyer as the permanent parks and recreation director after his stint as interim director.
“I believe that our parks department will be in good hands with Scott’s leadership,” said Mitchell.
This appointment was made official on Thursday after other candidates for the position completed their interviews.
“In considering the key factors that I thought necessary for a successful program, I mentioned in the job posting that I wanted an individual that would provide leadership to staff and could build a “team” to carry out our mission for the parks and recreation department,” said Mitchell.
Also, Mitchell said she wanted someone who could provide vision for the future and see parks and recreation as an important component of our economic development efforts.
According to Mitchell, Turnmyre has fulfilled these goals since he became interim director two months ago, and has done an incredible job with the program.
“He has provided exceptional leadership to the staff and has created a team environment in that department,” said Mitchell.
Besides her own rave reviews, Mitchell also said she’s heard nothing but positive comments from others who admire his leadership and communication skills with his staff and with citizens and their families.
“He is an excellent communicator and listener and I believe those attributes will serve Ashe County well,” said Mitchell.
During his time as interim director, Turnmyre said he would like to see an increase in programs for the elderly.
Turnmyre also brought a skate park ordinance to the attention of the Ashe County Board of Commissioners after reviewing the hazards of Ashe County Park with Patty Gamble, the county’s emergency management coordinator. Passing this ordinance released the county from being liable for injuries that occur in the county’s skate park.
Before his involvement with parks and recreations, Turnmyre cultivated his leadership and communication skills during his time as band director for the marching band programs at Ashe County High School and Ashe Central High School.
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