Parks & Recreation
Mary Ellen Donner, C.P.R.P.
Parks & Recreation Director
Contact:
Office Telephone: (702) 267-4009
Office Fax: (702) 267-4001
E-Mail: MaryEllen.Donner@cityofhenderson.com
Professional Biography:
Mary Ellen Donner was named director of the Parks and Recreation Department
in April 2007. She is responsible for recreation programming, park planning,
strategic planning, parks maintenance, the municipal Wildhorse Golf Club, overseeing the budget, and associated
department staff. Mary Ellen also serves as the staff liaison for the Parks
and Recreation Board.
Prior to joining the city of Henderson, Mary Ellen served as assistant director of the Collier County Parks and Recreation Department in Naples, Florida, where she spearheaded the agency’s efforts to earn accreditation from the Commission for Accreditation of Park and Recreation Agencies (CAPRA). Prior to Collier County, she worked for the Halifax (Canada) Recreation Department.
She holds two bachelor’s degrees – one in physical education and recreation and one in education – from Acadia University in Nova Scotia (Canada). An accomplished chef, Mary Ellen also attended the Johnson & Wales University culinary arts school in North Miami.
Mary Ellen maintains numerous aquatic, fitness and culinary certifications, including the Certified Park and Recreational Professional (CPRP) designation from the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA). She is an active member of the NRPA, Nevada Parks and Recreation Society (NRPS), and previously served as district director of the Florida Recreation and Park Association.
A former competitive swimmer, Mary Ellen earned awards from the Atlantic University Athletic Association and the Canadian Intercollegiate Athletic Union and has been inducted into the Nova Scotia Sports Hall of Fame.
03/2011