NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ—After a little over a month without a Recreation Director, the City of New Brunswick has hired a familiar face to fill the role.
HUB Teen Center Director and elected Board of Education member Edward Spencer was chosen as the new Superintendent of Recreation and started on October 5, according to the city.
“Ed’s dedication to his duties has helped to drive the success of many of our Teen Center programs,” said Mayor Jim Cahill. “He was a natural fit for the Superintendent of Recreation position and we will continue to thrive under his capable leadership.”
As we reported, Spencer was one of nine candidates vying for the public position.
Spencer replaces Mike Blackwell, who retired in late August after serving in that role for over 29 years. Both men are close allies of Mayor Cahill.
The new position gave Spencer a raise of about $10,000 over what he made in the previous city job. He now makes $73,000 per year.
Additional staffing changes within New Brunswick’s Department of Social Services were implemented “to ensure the continued success of programs serving residents in New Brunswick.”
YSS Site Facilitator Sonny Keels will have his responsibilities extended to include both YSS and Recreation department duties and will assist Spencer in the expansion and enhancement of the City’s recreation programs.
“Between Ed Spencer’s extensive history of recreation program planning and community volunteering and Sonny Keels’ enthusiasm and education, we are excited to enter the next phase of the Recreation Department’s history,” said Social Services Director Dave Blevins in a statement.
Spencer has worked for New Brunswick’s Social Services Department since 1999. He has experience in volunteer work and recreational programs. He also had a hand in the design of the city’s HUB Teen Center on Joyce Kilmer Avenue.
