Kathleen Burley Named Director of Harford County Parks & Recreation

From Harford County government:

County Executive Barry Glassman has named Kathleen L. Burley as Harford County’s director of Parks & Recreation effective June 20, 2016. The county department provides active and passive opportunities for recreation-seekers of all ages and abilities, with 14 facilities and 80 parks totaling more than 4,500 acres. Ms. Burley has nearly two decades of experience managing recreational programs, including eight years in the same county department she will now lead.

Kathy Burley most recently managed Harford Community College’s continuing education program for fitness and recreation serving county residents of all ages, from youth to senior citizens. In that capacity, she successfully developed and implemented programs through enhanced marketing and programming with an emphasis on responsiveness to the community. She was also responsible for managing the college program’s diverse workforce and ensuring compliance with various regulatory requirements at the local, state and federal level.

In her new role, Ms. Burley will be returning to the Harford County Dept. of Parks & Rec where she once served as a top-level recreation specialist. During her eight years with the department, she managed facilities maintenance and usage, developed and implemented budgets, coordinated sports programs, and collaborated effectively with the recreation councils and the public school system. She was also responsible for grant writing, the recruitment and training of coaches and volunteers, and ensuring a positive customer experience for citizens.

Kathy Burley has a master’s degree in educational administration from the University of South Dakota. From Salisbury University, she earned her Bachelor of Science degree in business administration and a Bachelor of Arts degree in leisure studies, with a concentration in therapeutic recreation. She is also a certified program planner and award-winning grant writer.

A Harford County native, Ms. Burley is a lifelong participant in Harford County Parks & Rec programs, including the first soccer team for girls offered through her hometown Churchville Rec. Ms. Burley now lives in Havre de Grace with her husband and three sons.

”Kathy will be a wonderful addition to my administration,” said County Executive Glassman. “As a prior employee, she is well versed in our programs and has some great ideas to improve our existing programs and create new ones for our citizens to enjoy.“

In accordance with the county charter, Ms. Burley will serve in an acting capacity until her appointment is confirmed by the County Council.