Deputy City Manager Tony St. Romaine today announced that Mike Griggs, the city's assistant Parks & Recreation director, will be promoted to the position of director effective March 15. Griggs will be paid $104,000 annually.

This appointment follows an extensive search which yielded more than 100 applications. A selection committee formed to assist in the process interviewed Griggs along with three other extremely qualified candidates. Griggs' appointment comes as current Parks & Recreation Director Mike Hood retires March 14 after 30 years of service.

According to St. Romaine, Griggs' 26 years of experience with the Columbia Parks and Recreation Department will allow for an almost seamless transition. "Mike has the institutional knowledge of the department and has established relationships throughout the community that will be extremely beneficial going forward," St. Romaine said.

Griggs holds a bachelor's degree in recreation and parks administration and a master's degree in parks, recreation and tourism from the University of Missouri-Columbia; served as an adjunct instructor teaching parks management for the UMC School of Natural Resources for almost 20 years; has been recognized professionally with many awards from the Missouri Park and Recreation Association; and is accredited as a Certified Park & Recreation Professional by the National Recreation and Park Association.

"It is a great honor and privilege to have been selected to succeed such fine directors as Mike Hood and Dick Green. Columbia has great parks, trails, open space and recreation programs and perhaps, the finest staff in the country," Griggs said. "I am looking forward to this opportunity to continue with our mission of providing high quality parks and programs to our residents and visitors."