Lake Havasu City is proud to welcome Gabrielle “Gabby” Vera as its new Parks and Recreation Director. With 15 years of experience in parks and recreation, Vera brings a wealth of expertise and a proven track record of success. She previously served as the Regional Park Superintendent for Maricopa County, where she oversaw the development and management of numerous regional parks as well as innovative programs that enhanced community engagement and outdoor recreation.

City Manager Jess Knudson is excited to have Vera join the City’s team.

“After an extensive search, I am excited to announce the hiring of Ms. Vera as Lake Havasu City’s Director of Parks and Recreation. She comes to us with a passion to better the quality of life for our kids (of all ages) and an impressive background in recreation and parks maintenance,” he said. 

Before her tenure in Maricopa County, Vera held significant roles as a Recreation Coordinator II for the City of Phoenix Parks and Recreation department and Recreation Manager for Miami-Dade County Parks and Recreation department in Miami, Florida.

Vera has a degree in Business Administration and holds multiple professional certifications, including Certified Parks and Recreation Professional, Certified Aquatic Facilities Operator, and Certified Youth Sports Administrator. Currently, she is working on attaining a master’s degree in Recreation Management from Northwest Missouri State University.

In addition to her extensive field experience, Vera shared her insights and knowledge as a speaker at several national conferences and through published work for the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA), focusing on leadership in parks and recreation management, as well as personal and professional development.

"I am thrilled to be joining the Lake Havasu City Parks and Recreation department. I’m eager to contribute to this vibrant community and work alongside other like-minded professionals. I’m most looking forward to connecting with my team, as well as our residents and visitors," she said.