FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
DATE: December 22, 2011
CONTACT:
Rod
Gould, City Manager
Kate
Vernez, Deputy City Manager
Tel:
310.458.8301
SANTA MONICA, CA – Karen Ginsberg, currently Assistant
Director of Community & Cultural Services (CCS) has been named Santa
Monica’s next Director of the department. City Manager Rod Gould announced the
appointment with enthusiasm. “Karen has
a proven track record in overseeing community services and in realizing
improvements to the city’s parks, open spaces and public facilities. Her clear,
strategic thinking has served the department well in budget matters, team
management and creative problem-solving. Under Karen’s steady hand, the
strength and competence of the current CCS management team will ensure a
continued excellence in service to the community,” said Gould.
As Assistant Director, Karen has been intimately
involved in all aspects of CCS services including recreation activities,
classes and culture, human services, landscape maintenance, and open
space. In her 12-year tenure as the
assistant director of CCS, Ginsberg has overseen the expansion of Virginia
Avenue Park and the development of both Euclid and Airport Parks ---Santa
Monica’s first two new parks in 24 years. Karen also spearheaded the complex
state and local regulatory review process for the Annenberg Community Beach
House. Her expertise in community outreach and understanding of the City’s
Landmarks Ordinance was instrumental in gaining approvals for Palisades Garden
Walk and Town Square. She has played a major role in managing the CCS budget
and the CCS capital improvement program. She also facilitated completion of an
agreement with the School District to provide a funding stream totaling $56
million for recreational improvements on the SAMOHI campus that will make these
important facilities available to the broader community during non-school
hours. Prior to her appointment as Assistant Director, Ginsberg was Planning
Manager for the Santa Monica Planning Department from 1994-1999. She also
worked for the Los Angeles City Community Redevelopment Agency in a planner
capacity.
“It is an honor to lead CCS and continue its tradition
of excellent service to City residents and the broader public. I am grateful
for this opportunity to serve in this capacity, with the exceptionally talented
staff of the department,” said Ginsberg.
Ginsberg received a Masters of Science in Historic
Preservation from Columbia University in New York City. She earned a Bachelor
of Arts in Art History from Skidmore College, Saratoga Springs, New York.
Barbara Stinchfield the current CCS Director announced
on October 28 that she will be retiring from the City of Santa Monica effective
December 29, 2011. An internal rigorous recruitment process was undertaken
during the month of December.
Ginsberg takes the helm as the city begins construction
of two new parks in the heart of the Civic Center, among other program and
infrastructure improvements. As Director of Community and Cultural Services,
Ginsberg will receive a salary of $186,300.
With an operating budget of $47 million and approximately 400 full- and
part-time employees, CCS oversees the administration, planning, management and
operations of the city’s open space, recreational facilities, culture and arts
programs, human services, funding for nonprofit grant programs, and public
landscape.
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