The Wayne County Commission approved the appointment of Erica Smith as the county’s parks division director following a recommendation by the Department of Public Services and prior vetting at the Public Services Committee.

Almeika Steele, deputy director of the Department of Public Services, introduced Smith and described a vetting process in which Smith “rose to the top of the list.” Steele said Smith brings more than 25 years of parks and recreation experience, including work with the Ann Arbor park system (where she developed public engagement programs), the Novi Parks Foundation (private partnership and fundraising experience) and the city of Garden City.

Smith, if confirmed by employment processes, addressed the commission: “I am really excited to put my energy and my professional experience to work here in Wayne County,” she said, adding that her early work would focus on listening to staff, understanding priorities and building relationships. Commissioners congratulated Smith after the vote.

Why it matters: The parks division manages county parkland and public programming; the hire signals an administrative priority on activation, fundraising partnerships and increased public engagement.

Next steps: The appointment passed as part of the Public Services committee report. Commissioners asked staff to support a smooth transition and welcomed Smith’s pledge to learn from current staff and community stakeholders.

Speakers on this item included Almeika Steele (Deputy Director, DPS), Erica Smith (proposed parks director), and a representative from the Department of Public Services who introduced the nomination.