Daniel Hopkins steps in as Salem's community services director

SALEM, N.H. — Still settling into his new role, family photos sitting on his desk remind Daniel Hopkins of why he got into the recreation, parks and senior services field.

Holding up a photo of an older man and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Hopkins explained that his father, the older man in the photo, was Abdul-Jabbar’s elementary school basketball coach at St. Jude’s Elementary.

“Our family was very active in athletics,” Hopkins said. “Dad was the athletic director at St. Jude’s parish in Inwood, New York City. He was very involved there and as a married deacon. He was my inspiration.”

After having worked in the field around the country for over 30 years, Hopkins is the new community services director for Salem. This will be his fifth department in his fourth state, he said.

His role will be to oversee the Ingram Senior Center and the recreation department. He will be learning the potential needs of the departments, and managing the facilities. Hopkins added he was thankful for an experienced staff who will help him learn the ropes.

“Working in community services and parks is one of the best jobs in the world,” he said. “It really does connect a community and enrich people’s lives. The job is to excite, entertain and enrich.”

Hopkins just moved to Salem with his wife Janine when he found out he got the job. The Hopkins recently moved to New Hampshire from Florida last year to assist their parents. They stayed for their three grandchildren who live in Londonderry.

He now commutes a mile and a half to work, which “I have always made a point to live in the town and immerse myself in the offerings,” Hopkins said. “I’m blessed to be in this part of local government.”

With Salem’s robust programming options Hopkins is excited for the summer to begin. Enrollment for summer camps is just starting, he said.

Though Hopkins is excited to embrace New England year-round. As an avid skier he is excited to chaperone some ski trips next winter.

“I’ve skied a few mountain ranges in my life,” Hopkins said, listing the Rockies, the Canadian Rockies, the Appalachians and the Cascades. He worked in the Appalachians while in Cary, N.C. and near the Cascades while he was parks director in Redmond, Wash.

Hopkins is excited for a town that is focused on “industry, commerce and recreation,” he said, pointing out all of those words on the town seal.

“What a wonderful opportunity,” he said, adding that everyone has been very welcoming to date.

“To have a community with a senior center and a library and a beautiful high school they are jewels,” Hopkins said, pointing out the variety of services Salem has to offer. “I’m just happy to be here.”