Lower Merion Names New Parks & Rec Director

The Lower Merion Board of Commissioners will hold a special meeting Wednesday night to accept the promotion of Donna Heller to the director of the township’s Parks & Recreation Department.

Heller has served as Recreation Supervisor for the Township Parks & Recreation Department since 1997. In her new position, she will report directly to Township Manager Ernie McNeely. She was selected following an open recruitment process that included almost 100 applicants, narrowed down to four finalist candidates and a thorough review process.

Heller has a Bachelor’s Degree in Recreation Leisure Management from Lock Haven University, and a Master’s Degree in Public Administration from West Chester University. Prior to joining Lower Merion Township, she served as Parks & Recreation Director for the City of Burlington, N. J.

She takes over the position in Lower Merion after the departure of former director Lindsay Taylor, who left last month for an opportunity to head the Parks & Recreation Department for the city of Allentown.

“It has been a pleasure to serve this wonderful Township as the Recreation Supervisor for the past 18 years,” said Heller “I am truly excited to be appointed to lead our Department and continue to meet the expectations of our residents through quality park facilities and recreational programs. I am committed to finding ways to improve our parks system in the years to come.”

The appointment is to be effective May 11, assuming confirmation of the appointment by the Township Board of Commissioners on May 6.

“I look forward to Donna bringing new leadership and direction to the Department while maintaining the excellent quality recreation services and park facilities that have been established as a standard by previous Director Lindsay Taylor,” said McNeely.