Park Director John Seibert is pleased to announce the hiring of Christy Graf as Valpo Parks Director of Business Operations. She comes to the Department with more than 13 years of local business experience, primarily with First National Bank of Valparaiso and 1st Source Bank. Christy served in various positions from Director of Marketing and Trust Officer to Vice President of Marketing. She graduated from Valparaiso University with a Marketing Management concentration and an Applied Statistics minor. In 2002, she obtained her MBA from Indiana University.
Christy has been a member of the Valparaiso Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors and provides leadership with other volunteer and faith-based groups in our community.
With the Park Board's adoption of the 2010 Strategic Master Plan, this role takes the place of the Assistant Director. Graf will be working with the Department's talented customer service, accounting, and payroll staffs to support all of the Park operations. Graf will also lead all of the divisions of the Department with their marketing outcomes, develop accountable business plans, and manage the Department's contractual relationships with public and private partners.
Graf is married to Derek Graf and they have two children, Alyssa and Tyler. They have lived in Valparaiso since 1997.
In addition, the position of Recreation Superintendent was re-created and the Department filled the position with an internal promotion.
John Seibert reported to the Board that Dan McGuire was promoted to this position. Dan will continue with his current programming duties as well as serve as the team leader for the Recreation Division. As such, he will coordinate accountable goals for participation, revenue and mission priorities. McGuire joined Valpo Parks in 1996 as a part-time employee and advanced to the Recreation Coordinator and Information Technology Coordinator. He is involved in voluntary leadership positions with the community and is currently a member of the Board of Directors of the Indiana Parks & Recreation Association. In 2009, McGuire was named to The Times first class of "20 Under 40" that are leading Northwest Indiana's future.
John Seibert stated that "With Christy's fresh perspective and expertise, and Dan's experience and enthusiasm, we feel we have two exceptional leaders. Together with our current outstanding staff and volunteers, we will continue to strive to serve our community to the highest levels possible."