Jermel Stevenson

Since joining the Parks and Recreation Department for the City of Rowlett, Texas, in 2010, Jermel Stevenson has overseen numerous successful initiatives. Mr. Stevenson's contributions to the President George Bush Turnpike expansion project resulted in the construction of new walking trails and paths along Lake Ray Hubbard. While coordinating the development of a themed 16-acre community park, Jermel Stevenson secured $90,000 in funding from Dallas Area Rapid Transit. Jermel Stevenson also created an ecotourism program featuring a planned 25-mile paddling trail, kayak college, bird observatory, and marina. These recreational amenities are expected to generate an annual economic impact of roughly $1 million.

As Director of Parks and Recreation, Jermel Stevenson administers a $3 million capital improvement budget and a $3.5 million operational budget. Mr. Stevenson manages the programming and maintenance of 30 parks, streetscapes, an 18-hole golf course, rights of way, an outdoor water park, nature trails, and a recreation complex. As part of the updating process for the City of Rowlett Parks, Recreation and Open Space Master Plan currently underway, Jermel Stevenson actively solicits input from citizens to help identify priorities within the Dallas suburb. Mr. Stevenson supervises 135 employees; he also oversees several adult sports leagues, sports tournaments and clinics for youth, and the City's Come Out & Play program, which features games and activities promoting nutrition, fitness, and disease prevention.

In 2007, Jermel Stevenson graduated from Central Michigan University with a Master of Public Administration with a focus on Urban Studies. Mr. Stevenson participated in the Executive Development Program for Park and Recreation Professionals at South Carolina's Clemson University. He is a member of several professional organizations, including Zetas and Sigmas Networking Group and the National Forum for Black Public Administrators.