TOWSON, MD—Baltimore County Executive Johnny Olszewski on Wednesday nominated Bob Smith to serve as Director of the Department of Recreation and Parks.

Smith, who has served as acting director since January 2023, brings extensive experience with the department where he first began serving part-time as a teenager in 1989 and has served in numerous full-time roles since 1997.

“Bob has proven to be a forward-thinking and collaborative public servant with a wealth of institutional knowledge and I am thrilled that he will continue serving our employees and our residents in this leadership role,” said Baltimore County Executive Johnny Olszewski. “Having worked his way up through the department, he knows Baltimore County inside and out and I am confident he will continue delivering modern, accessible, and inclusive recreational opportunities for residents of all ages in every community.”

Smith, whose first part-time job was chalking baseball diamonds for Baltimore County when he was 16 years old, has spent his career working his way up through the department. He has served in multiple leadership roles, including as deputy director of recreation and facilities operations, regional coordinator, community supervisor, PAL center leader, park attendant, camp instructor and field leader.

As director, Smith will manage a budget of nearly $21 million, lead a team of over 200 employees, and oversee a vast network of parks, recreational facilities and recreational programs that serve the residents of Baltimore County.

Outside of the department, Smith has spent 20 years as a high school and club-level youth recreational soccer coach and holds a coaching license from USYSA. Smith holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Baltimore, a Certified Parks and Recreation Professional Certification from the National Recreation and Parks Association, and a Certified Youth Sports Administrator certification from the National Alliance for Youth Sports.

“Baltimore County is home to such incredible recreational opportunities and I could not imagine a greater privilege than being selected to lead the department where I started my career over three decades ago,” said Smith. “I look forward to working with our amazing team, our devoted rec professionals, and our dedicated volunteers to continue providing quality recreation opportunities and world-class facilities for the residents and visitors of Baltimore County.”

Smith’s nomination is subject to confirmation by an affirmative vote of a majority of the members of the County Council.