Terry Welsh is the new Community Services Director at the City of Grande Prairie.

Currently the Director of Recreation and Parks Services at the City of Brooks, Welsh replaces Greg Scerbak, who became City Manager on July 1. His appointment was made official at City Council Monday night.

The Community Services Director is responsible for the Arenas Group, Aquatics and Wellness, Community Development, Family and Community Support Services, Heritage Resources, Parks, and Recreation and Culture.

Welsh assumes his new role in mid November.

“We are pleased to have Terry on board and welcome his wealth of experience,” says Scerbak. “The Director of Community Services has a broad mandate and is responsible for a large number of employees in the organization. We were looking for a dynamic, flexible individual who has a versatile background to guide the service areas that comprise Community Services.”

Welsh has worked with the City of Brooks for 17 years. His previous posts included Parks Supervisor, Manager of Parks, and Manager of Recreation and Parks Services. He formerly worked with the City of Medicine Hat.

He has served 16 years on the Brooks and District Volunteer Fire Department, the last four as Deputy Chief, and with a variety of other community and profession-related committees and organizations.

“I am delighted with this career opportunity and to be part of the City of Grande Prairie team,” says Welsh. “I was really drawn to the organization and the sense of vibrancy and enthusiasm that emanated from everyone I have met at the municipality.”

Welsh, married with two grown children, is delighted by the variety the position holds.

“When completed, this will be one of the premier leisure facilities in the province and will provide a huge increase in the quality of life offered to residents of the City and County of Grande Prairie. Being involved in the development and operation of such an impressive facility provides great challenge and opportunity.”

There is also a range of important areas to champion across the realm of Community Services, including affordable housing and social needs support.

“These support programs are a need in any community and have a huge positive impact across the social spectrum,” he says. “I look forward to building on the co-operation that exists between the municipality and the community.”