By MATT PIKE
St. Joseph Post
The former assistant of the St. Joseph Parks and Recreation Department will now take the lead following the retirement of longtime director Chuck Kempf.
Jeff Atkins has been named the director of the Parks and Recreation Department, after serving the last 20 years as the Assistant Director under Kempf, who announced his intention to retire in January.
Atkins was born and raised in St. Joseph and began his career with the City of St. Joseph in 1986, serving as the maintenance electrician for the parks department. He was later promoted to park maintenance field supervisor followed by superintendent of parks and became the assistant director in 2016.
His extensive experience, leadership and historical knowledge of St. Joseph’spark system will continue to serve the department well.
“Jeff is a strong leader who is very dedicated to our community.” Kempf said in a news release from the city.
Kempf has confidence inAtkins’ ability to continue improving our parks and facilities with the help of the voter-approvedParks Sales Tax and the ongoing support of numerous staff and volunteers.
Atkins’ appointment is effective April 5, 2025, and his salary will be $109,694.
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