San Mateo Hires New Parks And Recreation Director

SAN MATEO, CA — The city of San Mateo is hiring Joanne Magrini to serve as its new Parks and Recreation Department.

Magrini takes over for Sheila Canzian, who is retiring in June after serving the city for 52 years.

Magrini is a San Mateo County native and currently heads Cupertino’s Parks and Recreation Department. She will begin in San Mateo on July 11.

“San Mateo has set the standard for how a high-performing Parks and Recreation Department should function,” Magrini said in a news release. “I am humbled and honored to step into a strong organization and look forward to building upon long-established successes while continuing to collaborate with the community on innovative approaches to provide the highest level of service.”

San Mateo City Manager Drew Corbett called Magrini a “collaborative and innovative leader who has the experience and passion to be a champion for our department.”

“San Mateo’s parks and recreation programs are some of the most important services we provide to the community and our department has benefited from a history of strong leadership,” Corbett said. “I look forward to her joining our executive team and supporting her efforts to enhance recreation in San Mateo.”

Related: San Mateo's Parks & Recreation Director Sheila Canzian To Retire

The parks and recreation director’s duties include managing 35 parks, six recreation and community centers and two pools, in addition to a department with a $19 million budget and 120 staff.

Magrini has also previously served as director of San Bruno’s Community Services Department and associate director for the University of San Francisco.

Community Services Manager Bob Palacio will step in as interim director before Magrini’s start date and after Canzian departs.

Canzian had served as San Mateo's Parks and Recreation Director for 32 years.

"I have been blessed to work with a great team of staff and amazing managers over the years," Canzian said in a statement announcing her retirement earlier this week. "I loved working in San Mateo. It is my community and it is heartwarming to walk through the parks and see so many children and families enjoying what our department provides. Parks bring the community together, whether it be at special events such as the Summer Concerts in the Park series and Winter Wonderland, or for family gatherings such as celebrating birthdays and reunions."