Albany Recreation Director Takes Job In Piedmont

PIEDMONT, CA — After a recruitment process that began with 48 candidates, the Piedmont City Council unanimously selected Chelle Putzer as the city's new recreation director, officials announced Tuesday.

“We are very excited to have Ms. Putzer join the Piedmont Recreation team,” said Mayor Robert McBain. “Her great experience and proven track record of leadership will help our Recreation Department continue to provide excellentprogramming for all ages.”

The formal appointment of Putzer, who currently works as the director of Albany's recreation and community services, will be considered for the new Piedmont slot at the city council's Nov. 4 meeting. Her role will begin in December.

From the initial pool of candidates, the rec-director selection was narrowed to six considered "highly qualified" by a panel of city staff and residents, plus the city administrator. The candidate field then further was narrowed to two, who both were interviewed by city council, according to officials.

Putzer, who has a bachelor's of science in health and sport sciences from the University of Oklahoma, has served for six years as recreation and community services director for the City of Albany, with an additional 10 years as Albany's recreation and community services manager and supervisor, Piedmont city managers said.

Piedmont City Administrator Sara Lillevand said Putzer's prior experience in Albany will be a boon for Piedmont.

“Her experience and success as the director in Albany, another small city in Alameda County, will translate well to Piedmont," Lillevand said, adding "I also want to recognize the commitment and significant efforts of Interim Recreation Director Erin Rivera, who will remain in that role until Chelle begins in December. Erin has been and will continue to be an integral part of PRD’s leadership throughout the transition and beyond."

Putzer also previously worked as as head softball coach at St. Mary’s College in Moraga, as assistant softball coach at San Jose State University and as a volunteer assistant softball coach at Stanford University in Palo Alto, according to the city.

Putzer said she was excited to take on her new role as Piedmont's recreation director. "I am looking forward to serving in such a wonderful, engaged and supportive community and joining Piedmont’s outstanding Recreation Department," she said.

• ALSO SEE: Halloween Event Guide 2019: Albany, East Bay