The three finalists to run the massive Minneapolis parks system come from California, Kentucky and North Carolina, but two have roots in the organization they hope to lead.
The three, all men, have park leadership experience and reflect the diversity that Park Board commissioners sought in a candidate from the beginning of the superintendent search.
The finalists made public Wednesday night are: Nick Williams, Oakland's Parks and Recreation director; Seve Ghose, the Louisville Metro Parks and Recreation Department director; and Alfred Bangoura, the recreation superintendent for Mecklenburg County (which includes Charlotte, N.C.) Park and Recreation.
"We believe our parks are for everyone," Park Board President Brad Bourn said as he announced the names. "This means our next superintendent needs to be an advocate for the youth and families in our city who have so often been left on the margins."
Bourn said the three finalists stood out as being able to advance the board's mission and its mandate of investing in youth, and building an even better park system. A fourth candidate withdrew her name, he said.
More than 80 applicants from across the country applied. A selection committee made up of seven residents prioritized qualified candidates. Board Vice President AK Hassan, Commissioner Latrisha Vetaw and Bourn narrowed the list.
One will be chosen to succeed former Superintendent Jayne Miller, who resigned in February amid strong criticism by community members and some incoming Park Board members. She accepted a job as president and CEO of the nonprofit Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy in Pennsylvania. In Minneapolis, she made $165,000 a year, and her contract was to run through mid-2018.
Community members who went to listening sessions said they wanted their next park leader to be a local person of color and someone who has experience working with people from different backgrounds. Park users voiced concerns about the need for more senior and youth programming, and they urged the Park Board to hire a leader who will interact with all members of the public.