Asheville City Manager Names New Parks & Recreation Director

After a national search, City Manager Debra Campbell has appointed D. Tyrell McGirt to be Asheville’s next Parks & Recreation Director.

McGirt succeeds Roderick Simmons, who retired earlier this year after 14 years with the City. McGirt’s first day on the job will be January 24, 2022.

McGirt comes to Asheville from his latest assignment as Parks & Recreation Director for Pelham, Alabama, a suburb of Birmingham. During his time in Pelham, he increased gender and racial diversity of new hires by 50%, led the department through a community needs and strategic planning process, and re-established the Parks & Recreation Advisory Board. Prior to that McGirt served as Parks & Recreation Director for the Town of Marana, AZ.

He has roots in North Carolina, however, having earned his undergraduate degree in business administration from NC Agricultural and Technical State University in Greensboro. He then earned earn an MA in Public Administration from the University of Alaska in Juneau.

“I have had some amazing opportunities over the course of my career, but none more exciting than returning home to North Carolina to do what I love,” McGirt said. “Parks, trails, recreation programs, and facilities have the ability to transform communities and improve the quality of life for all citizens. I look forward to joining the Parks & Recreation team and getting involved in the Asheville community.”

“In Mr. McGirt, Asheville has found a Parks & Recreation Director with not only a passion for athletics, sports, and community, but also someone driven to incorporate diversity and inclusion into his processes,” said Campbell. “That’s a great fit for where we are headed as a City.”