Cookeville’s Department of Leisure Services has appointed its first Assistant Director. The department is proud to announce that Chad McDonald has accepted the new position effective immediately.
Rick Woods, Director of Leisure Services, is pleased with McDonald’s acceptance of the role. “I am very happy to see Chad’s rise within our department,” says Woods. “He is a true leader for our team and our community.”
McDonald’s career with Leisure Services began 28 years ago. McDonald started as a part-time employee but quickly moved into the Cultural Arts Coordinator role. Since 2000, he has served as the department’s Cultural Arts Superintendent.
McDonald has made significant contributions to Leisure Services over nearly three decades of services. He has overseen the use of department facilities, arts programming, and personnel management for the Performing Arts Center and Dogwood Performance Pavilion. He has additionally served as supervisor for staff at the Cookeville History and Depot Museums and manager for the School of Dance.
McDonald has also been vital to the continued success of many of Cookeville’s most cherished annual events including After Dark Movies in the Park, Fall Fun Fest, Shakespeare in the Park, the Dogwood Christmas Tree and Tree Lighting Ceremony, and various outdoor concerts at both Dogwood Park and the Depot Museum.
Director Woods believes that McDonald is more than deserving of this promotion.
“Our team already looks to him for advice, guidance, and support,” says Woods. “I truly appreciate his talents and abilities, and I am grateful to him for taking on this new role.”
As Assistant Director, McDonald will now be more heavily involved in all aspects of the Leisure Services Department. Though he has taken on many new responsibilities, McDonald’s will continue to focus on providing quality arts programming and special events to our local community.