The County of San Mateo is proud to announce new directors at the helm of its Parks Department and the newly formed Project Development Unit, bringing with them years of leadership experience and innovation to serve the community’s open space and infrastructure needs.
Jonathan Gervais, the current Parks and Recreation Director of Belmont, has been tapped as the County’s new Parks Director, overseeing a $15 million budget and network of 20 parks, 190 miles of trails and more than 17,000 acres. The Parks Department also partners with the San Mateo County Parks Foundation and dozens of volunteers to provide programs, hikes and educational opportunities.
Deborah Bazan, a former Sheriff’s Lieutenant who oversaw planning and construction of the Maple Street Correctional Facility, will serve as the Provisional Director of the Project Development Unit (PDU). Bazan had been serving in a consulting role for the unit and will now oversee the department. The PDU provides construction services for all new ground-up County capital projects such as the new animal shelter at Coyote Point, Regional Operations Center and Skylonda Fire Station 58 replacement.
“I’m excited and proud to have Jonathan and Deb join our organization. Each bring with them the skills, strong work ethic and creativity which will allow their respective departments to thrive,” said County Manager John Maltbie.
Gervais most recently served as Parks and Recreation Director and for a stretch Public Works Co-Director for the city of Belmont. In that capacity, he oversaw completion of a 10-year joint use agreement with the Belmont/Redwood Shores School District, managing the design and construction of Davey Glen Park and manage the design for a new synthetic turf field at the Belmont Sports Complex.
“It has been a privilege to serve the community of Belmont and an honor to be selected as the next Parks Director for the County of San Mateo,” Gervais said. “My goal is to increase community adoption of County Parks by increasing partnerships, optimizing customer service and internal growth of the department. I’m also excited to work with the San Mateo County Parks Foundation on expanding philanthropic opportunities to enhance our parks.”
Gervais starts with the County Nov. 6, 2017.
Before retiring from the Sheriff’s Office, Bazan oversaw securing the Redwood City location for the new County jail and led the planning and construction phases. She also led through completion the Master Plan and Feasibility Studies of the County’s use of lease space, aging facilities, parking and public accessibility. For the past year, Bazan served as a project management consultant to the PDU.
“I am honored to be part of the Project Development Unit, assisting with projects that are meaningful and important to the surrounding communities, visiting public and County employees,” Bazan said.
Bazan’s firsthand knowledge of the County’s space needs will help keep the management and construction of approximately $500 million in approved and ongoing capital projects both efficient and fiscally sound, Assistant County Manager Mike Callagy said.
Bazan’s official first day is Oct. 1, 2017.