Monterey County Names New Parks Director - Central Coast News KION/KCBA

MONTEREY, Calif.--After a national search, Monterey County is pleased to announce the appointment of Michael Ferry as Chief Ranger/Parks Director, effective February 1, 2013. Ferry replaces John Pinio, the former Director who recently retired.

 Ferry is a local resident who currently serves as Parks Superintendent, responsible for the Asilomar Sector of the Monterey District of the California State Parks system. This District includes Asilomar State Beach and Conference Grounds as well as 14 historic properties in downtown Monterey.

 "Mr. Ferry's leadership skills, local experience and accomplishments are ideal for this key position," says County Administrative Officer Lew Bauman. "Mr. Ferry began his career 32 years ago as a Monterey County Park Ranger before transitioning to State Parks."

 The Monterey County Parks Department provides a system of parks and facilities used by locals and tourists alike. The Department has 63 employees who maintain and preserve six day use parks, four campground parks including resorts at Lake Nacimiento and Lake San Antonio as well as the world-class Mazda-Laguna Seca Raceway. The Chief Ranger/Parks Director is responsible for leading the Department and overseeing the law enforcement function of the Parks Ranger program.

 Ferry obtained his Bachelor of Science Degree in Natural Resources Management (concentration in Park and Recreation) from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo.