Carolyn Muller Appointed City of Gaithersburg Director of Parks, Recreation & Culture

Gaithersburg, Maryland (April 3, 2020)  Gaithersburg City Manager Tony Tomasello announced the appointment of Carolyn Muller as Director of Gaithersburg’s Department of Parks, Recreation & Culture, effective April 3, 2020. She has been serving as Acting Director in that position since former Director Michele Potter took on a new role within the City in September of 2019 and subsequently retired in January of 2020. Muller was originally hired by the City in 2018 as Recreation Services Division Chief, where she was responsible for senior services, aquatics, and recreation class programs. 

“I am delighted that Carolyn has accepted our offer to formally head this Department,” said Tomasello. “She has demonstrated significant skill, commitment and compassion as she has managed her team through an unprecedented public health crisis. I have no doubt that her innovations will advance the Department and the City as a whole as she carries this new role forward.”

“I am dedicated to continuing the amazing work of the Department of Parks, Recreation & Culture,” said Muller. “Now, more than ever, the community has greater appreciation for parks and recreation, and we will continue to be a positive resource for the City of Gaithersburg.”

Muller most recently worked for the Anne Arundel County Department of Parks & Recreation. She started with that organization in 2006 as a Recreation Specialist, became a Marketing and Events Manager in 2012, and was promoted to Recreation Supervisor in 2017, where she was responsible for recreation programming, special events, and facility management. As the Recreation Supervisor, Muller also oversaw two recreation centers, prepared and administered recreation program budgets, and wrote the Department’s strategic plan.

Muller holds a Master of Science in Recreation and Parks Management from Frostburg University in Maryland and a Bachelor of Science in Health Science with an emphasis in Sports Medicine from Lock Haven University of Pennsylvania. She is a Certified Park and Recreation Professional through the National Recreation and Parks Association. She served as President of the Maryland Recreation and Parks Association in 2018. She remains an active member of both organizations. She also served as a Board Member and Secretary of Recreation Deeds for Special Needs, a nonprofit organization providing recreational opportunities to those with challenges or obstacles due to disabilities, financial difficulties or environmental barriers.

Gaithersburg’s Director of Parks, Recreation and Culture is appointed by the City Manager and oversees a Department of approximately 125 full time equivalent positions with an approved FY20 operating budget of $9.5 million. Divisions include Recreation Services, Sports and Youth Services, Facilities and Administration Services, and Cultural Events and Services.

For more information, please contact the Gaithersburg City Manager’s office at 301-258-6310 or visit the City’s website at www.gaithersburgmd.gov.