Hutchinson parks and facilities director Justin Combs resigns after 12½ years; assistant named interim

Hutchinson Parks and Facilities Director Justin Combs has submitted his resignation after 12½ years with the city, effective Thursday, Dec. 3, and Assistant Director Nichole Martinez has been named interim director to run the department.

Martinez will oversee department operations and ongoing projects while the city recruits a permanent director.

The city said recruitment would begin immediately and that it expected to post the director position in the coming days, with application details on the city's employment opportunities page.

The vacancy comes as the city's top administrative post is also filled on an interim basis: the Hutchinson City Council named Gary Meagher interim city manager Sept. 14, his second turn in the job.

According to the city's announcement, Combs led the department whose work supports the city's parks, trails, recreational spaces and public facilities.

"I am especially proud of the Parks and Facilities team and the work they do to maintain and improve the parks, trails, and public facilities. I have complete confidence in this team’s ability to continue doing great things for Hutchinson," Combs said in a statement the city released.

"While I will be leaving my position with the City, I will continue to serve Hutchinson in a different capacity. I look forward to remaining part of this community and supporting its continued success," Combs said.

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