BURBANK — City officials named Chris Dasté as the city’s new Park, Recreation and Community Services director.
Dasté, a 44-year-old former Parks and Community Services director from the city of Tracy in Northern California, plans to assume his new role March 3.
“I’m excited to have the opportunity to work for a city as dynamic as Burbank,” he said.
“There are so many positive things happening here. This is something you work for your whole career.”
Until March, outgoing parks director Eric Hansen, a 35-year city employee, will stay on despite his retirement last December.
Hansen was part of the nominating committee and was immediately taken with Dasté, whom he called his “first choice.”
“We’re very fortunate we have a candidate that has the credentials he has,” Hansen said.
“He has worked in a number of different locales and has the experience and personality to lead this department. Him coming over here is a good deal.”
Hansen’s last day as head of the parks department will be Feb. 29, and a transition team could be formed to help ease Dasté into his new role, Hansen said.
The nominating committee, which comprised three panels of professional, community and peer members, interviewed five candidates for the position, officials said.
While the committee ultimately sided with Dasté, the penultimate decision involved one other candidate, said City Manager Mary Alvord, a former park director.
“We had two candidates,” she said. “But I feel very good about [Dasté]. It’s good for the city and a good fit for the Executive Committee.”
Dasté will lead a department that has a full plate of projects on the horizon.
A major area of focus for Dasté will be the ongoing design and upcoming construction of the $8.2-million Ovrom Park, in the South San Fernando area. A new clubhouse at De Bell Municipal Golf Course will also demand attention, as will the $14.2-million track-and-field improvements at John Burroughs High, Burbank High and Jordan Middle schools.
Dasté reflected a hopeful tone as he looked toward his future role.
“I’m looking forward to being part of the city team and helping to continue to add to the quality of life of Burbank residents,” he said.
Dasté received his bachelor’s degree in recreation administration from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo and has completed various graduate courses in the Master of Public Administration program at Cal State Northridge, city officials said.
As head of the parks department, he will make about $126,000.
