Primary Contact Email: dlaplant@co.whatcom.wa.us
TITLE FOR AGENDA ITEM:
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Request confirmation of the County Executive’s appointment of Bennett Knox as Director of Parks & Recreation effective 9/6/22 pursuant to Whatcom County Code Section 2.29.020
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SUMMARY STATEMENT OR LEGAL NOTICE LANGUAGE:
Bennett Knox has over 21 years of experience in Parks management, working for Louisville Parks & Recreation Department in Kentucky. For the last 15 years, he has served as Parks Administrator for the Natural Areas Division and the 6,800 acre Jefferson Memorial Forest.
For the past 9 years, Bennett also founded and managed the non-profit group Wilderness Louisville, whose mission is to fundraise and advocate for the Natural Areas Division of Louisville Parks and Recreation.
Prior to his work in Louisville, Bennett worked as an Environmental Scientist and Enforcement Analyst as a contractor to the EPA. This work frequently brought him to Washington and Oregon in the late 90’s and early 2000’s.
Mr. Knox holds a Master’s Degree in Environmental Management from Duke University, and a Bachelor’s Degree in Natural Resource Conservation with a Minor in Russian language from the University of Kentucky. Bennett is a Certified Parks and Recreation Executive through the National Recreation and Parks Association.
The appointment of Bennett Knox is the culmination of a multi-phased selection process which included input from community stakeholders, other County leaders, and references.