July 22, 2019
Media Contact:
Scott Peterson, Director of Communications, Office of Public Information, 202-277-9412
ELLICOTT CITY - Today, Howard County Executive Calvin Ball announced Raul Delerme will serve as the new Howard County Recreation & Parks Director, taking over for John Byrd. Delerme has been with Recreation & Parks since 1990, most recently serving as Bureau Chief of Capital Projects, Park Planning & Construction, as well as Acting Department Director since June 8th. Photos from the announcement can be found here.
“Howard County has the best local parks in our nation thanks to our dedicated staff who serve as model stewards of our environment and ensure a high quality of life for all residents. To lead this stellar team, I am thrilled to announce Mr. Raul Delerme as our next Recreation & Parks Director,” said Ball. “He has proven himself as our Bureau Chief of Capital Projects, Park Planning & Construction, and will bring 29 years of experience in our Department to this new position. After conducting a thorough search, it was clear that Mr. Delerme is the best person to advance our vision for excellence. I also want to thank our outgoing director, Mr. John Byrd, for his years of dedicated service to our community.”
“It’s been an honor serving as the Interim Acting Director of Howard County Recreation & Parks and I am thrilled that the County Executive chose me for this permanent position,” said Raul Delerme. “As I take on the unique challenges and responsibilities of the role of Recreation & Parks Director, I hope to continue to enhance the quality of life in Howard County as we expand and enhance the sustainable parks, recreation facilities, programs, and other community resources we offer.”
Delerme will lead the Department through a 2020-2024 Strategic Plan, promoting programs and spaces that are accessible and inclusive to everyone, integrating a multi-faceted approach to public health that accounts for mental, physical, social and emotional wellness, and identifying underserved demographics within Howard County in order to better suit the needs of our community.
In 1990, Delerme joined the Department of Recreation & Parks as a Park Planner and Engineer Specialist. In 2008, he became the Planning Manager of Capital Projects and the Park Planning Division. In 2010 he became the Acting Parks Bureau Chief, before taking over permanently in 2011. Delerme has worked on a wide range of projects, serving as Project Manager for the Master Plan, Design, and Construction on numerous parks, playgrounds, and community centers.
Delerme has served as the Project Manager for the Master Plans of Holiday Hills Park, Meadowbrook Park Phase I, and Western Regional Park Phase I. In addition, he oversaw implementation of the five-year Land Preservation, Parks and Recreation Plan for Howard County. He served as the Department’s Liaison for Board of Education School Projects and handled preparation of the Department’s annual capital budget and ten-year capital improvement program. Delerme’s accolades include being named Department of Recreation & Parks Employee of the Year and receiving the Department’s “Great Idea Award.”
As Director, Delerme will oversee 1,271 departmental employees and be responsible for the maintenance and operation of 95 parks and historic sites; for the stewardship of over 9,390 acres of recreation & park lands; over 10,000 recreation program offerings to be enjoyed by over 100,000 participants; and host local, regional and national sporting and social events such as Wine in the Woods that has an average attendance of over 20,000 people.