WECMRD Names Janet Bartnik Executive Director 

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July 20, 2017 – Eagle County, Colo. – The Western Eagle County Metropolitan Recreation District (WECMRD) board of directors is pleased to announce the hire of Janet Bartnik as the organization’s new executive director. Selected from a pool of 122 applicants from around the country, Bartnik is widely regarded as a national expert in community recreation.

A parks and recreation career professional (B.S., M.S., C.P.R.P.) with family ties to Colorado, she currently serves as the director of parks and recreation in Liberty, MO, a position she’s held since 2012.

“I can’t wait to join the WECMRD team,” Bartnik said.  “My passion for community recreation mirrors the commitment that the district and its partners have made to the quality of life in western Eagle County.”

Prior to her overseeing Liberty’s recreation district, Bartnik served as the director of parks and recreation for Raymore, MO from 2001 to 2012. She holds a Master of Science in Sport Management and a Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science, both from Virginia Polytechnic Institute (VT).

“WECMRD is poised to take a great leap with our programs, facilities, and offerings,” said Elizabeth Jones, WECMRD’s board president. “Janet brings a wealth of knowledge and experience, attributes sure to prove invaluable assets in our organization’s efforts to address and anticipate the needs and expectations of our community.  She’s uniquely qualified to help our organization meet and exceed the goal of providing multi-generational health equity to western Eagle County.”

Bartnik’s contract begins on August 21, 2017 and extends to December 31, 2018. It requires that she reside in Eagle County and further stipulates a strong board preference for residency within WECMRD district boundaries.

“This was a highly competitive process,” states Andrew Gorgey, Vice President of search firm Peckham & McKenney, Inc. “Janet distinguished herself from within a strong field which included several impressive local candidates. Her specific expertise and experience proved to be best aligned with WECMRD’s identified preferences and organizational priorities.”

Bartnik replaces longtime executive director Steve Russell, who retired May 5, 2017.