The city of Santa Clarita has named longtime city staffer Janine Prado as the new Director of Recreation and Community Services.

Prado will take over the position that was being filled on an interim basis by Assistant City Manager Frank Oviedo, following the December 2017 retirement of longtime department chief Rick Gould.

After an extensive, nationwide search, Prado was selected for the Director position. She had served as the Recreation and Community Services Manager for the city of Santa Clarita since June 2016 and was originally hired as a Recreation and Community Services Administrator in 2006.

“During her 13 years with the city, Janine has tirelessly sought to provide recreational, enrichment and educational opportunities that increase the quality of life for our citizens,” said City Manager Ken Striplin.

“She is an advocate for city programs and is actively engaged with her staff and our residents to understand the needs, demands and changing trends of our community,” he said. “She has proven relationships with school districts, local agencies and law enforcement and consistently builds networks in the community, expanding both her organizational and community awareness.”

Prado has taken the lead on many innovative, award-winning campaigns including the DFY in SCV (Drug-Free Youth in Santa Clarita Valley) anti-drug education and awareness program in our local schools.

She also helped create and implement the “Heroin Kills – The High is a Lie” campaign to raise awareness of the dangers of heroin. Both of these programs were awarded distinguished League of California Cities Helen Putnam Awards.

Prado has also played a key role in the design and programming of the new Canyon Country Community Center.

“It is an honor to be selected for this position,” Prado said. “I look forward to continuing to serve our community with programs and activities that benefit every resident of our City. Recreation and Community Services provides our diverse resident base with inclusive activities for every age and ability. I look forward to working with my amazing team to lead this innovative department into the future.”

Prior to coming to the City of Santa Clarita, Prado worked for the Commission for Children Youth and Their Families for the City of Los Angeles. She has her Bachelor’s Degree in Child Development and her MPA from California State University, Northridge.

“I am both excited and confident that Janine’s leadership skills, combined with her approachable and energetic management style, will continue to make a significant impact in the Recreation and Community Services Department and be a dynamic addition to the City’s Leadership Team,” said Striplin.