Cranberry Hires New Parks and Recreation Director from Ross

Longtime Ross Township Parks and Recreation director Pete Geis resigned Thursday to accept a new position as head of Cranberry's Parks and Recreation department.

"This is a tremendous loss for Ross Township," said Ross Commissioner Gerald O'Brien. "Pete is a great guy, if we can find someone half as smart, competent, and hard-working as Pete, we will be doing okay."

Geis was responsible the operation and maintenance of Ross Township's 23 parks and recreation areas. He also played a key role in annual events such as the Easter Egg hunt, the summer fishing tournament, the 4th of July celebration, and Ross Community Day, O'Brien said.

Cranberry hired Geis after a yearlong hunt, including a nationwide search, for a new recreation director.

The township parted ways with former director Mike Diehl in November 2011. Since mid-August, Greg Smith has been acting interim director of parks and recreation in Cranberry.   

Cranberry manager Jerry Andree said Geis was offered the position after an extensive evaluation process that included five interviews, including undertaking an assignment that culminated with a presentation to a group of managers. 

"Pete exhibits the level of professionalism, leadership and passion that we have been seeking to lead our community's extensive parks and recreation program," Andree said. "We are pleased that Pete has accepted the challenge to lead our park and recreation program."

Andree said Geis' appointment will be ratified at the next Cranberry Board of Supervisors meeting at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 28 at the Cranberry Township Municipal Center.

Geis will be paid a salary of $75,500, Andree said.

O'Brien said Geis is expected to begin his new job by mid-March. 

Like Us on Facebook | Follow Us on Twitter

Check out some of today's other top stories here.