As I evaluate and communicate new information for many hours daily, some of which is not good, I know how important a positive attitude is for all of us during this challenging time. I choose to keep my head right and know that God is in control of this situation. Please join me with a positive attitude and as I “tell you something good”, please also forward some positivity to another person today.
Let me introduce to you our talented team with the City of Southaven who helps me and serves our citizens in a tremendous way daily.
Today’s introduction is Wes Brown, our Parks and Recreation Director. Wes began his service with the City in January, 2005 when he was hired as Assistant Athletic Director. He served in this capacity until he moved to our Administration Department upon being promoted to Human Resources Director in May, 2007. In November, 2011, the City needed his services back in our Parks Department, so he accepted the job as Assistant Parks and Recreation Director where he served until being promoted to his current position in October, 2014. The City of Southaven has been Wes’ only employer since he graduated from Mississippi State University with a Bachelor of Business Administration Degree in May, 2004.
Professionally, Wes continued his education graduating from the National Recreation and Parks Association Directors School. He was instrumental in selling and securing the largest advertising contract in the City’s history in 2014 with the $1 million naming rights deal for the BankPlus Amphitheater. Since his promotion to Director in 2014, he has overseen arguably the most aggressive parks expansion and enhancement plan in the nation, which has included the Forever Young Senior Center; BankPlus Amphitheater Stage Enclosure; Tennis Court Expansion & Pro Shop; Snowden Grove Concessions & Bathrooms Expansion; Field of Dreams Playground; Greenbrook Indoor Softball Training Facility; and Soccer Expansion at Snowden Grove.
When asked “Why do you do what you do?” Wes responded, “I love going to work every single day knowing that Parks is one of the main identities of Southaven. We provide an excellent quality of life for our citizens and a lifetime of memories for our children. Our Parks team is one of the best in the nation and I am honored that I get to do what I love with them daily.”
Wes is a father to sons, Wesley Jr. (12) and Cameron (9) who both attend Northpoint Christian School. When not working, Wes enjoys fishing, golf, and watching his boys compete in basketball and baseball.
The Parks and Recreation Department in Southaven is not like most. There has been a commitment from parents and other volunteers here even before Southaven became an incorporated city to create recreational opportunities for our children. This commitment became a way of life for us and has continued for decades now with the ongoing support from our citizens and successive administrations. Our Parks program is massive, diverse, and has transcended the typical program by becoming an economic driver for our city. It takes a super-talented and experienced leader to manage this operation. Wes Brown has proven to be this person for us and has done an incredible job. He has management responsibilities for one of our largest departments that also includes a heavy number of seasonal employees. He has the skill set to operate one of the largest Parks programs in the nation, while at the same time, overseeing massive expansion and enhancement projects. As Mayor, I ask a tremendous amount from him and he delivers every day. Wes has exceptional administrative skills, but is also not afraid to throw his boots on and lead his team. This “whatever it takes” attitude has made him a tremendous asset for me and for our city, in general. #tellmesomethinggood
