Jill Zachary

Jill Zachary was appointed Parks and Recreation Director in December 2015. As Parks and Recreation Director, she oversees numerous recreation and sports facilities and activities; an 18-hole golf course; creeks and water-quality improvement programs; 60 developed parks, beaches and open spaces; and an urban forest of more than 35,000 street and park trees. She reports to the City Administrator.

Before her appointment as director, Ms. Zachary worked with the City of Santa Barbara for almost 17 years, most recently as the Assistant Parks and Recreation Director from 2007 to 2015. Previously, she held the positions of Creek Restoration and Water Quality Manager, and Project Planner. Prior to joining the City, she managed projects and performed research for the Community Environmental Council, the Institute for Local Self-Reliance, and the State of Massachusetts urban park system.

Ms. Zachary received a Bachelor’s degree in Government and Environmental Studies from Oberlin College and a Master’s degree in Public Administration from California State University, Northridge.