News

City parks administrator takes new job with PenMet

Gig Harbor Parks Manager Matt Keough resigned July 29 to take a job with PenMet Parks.

Keough was hired by the city in December 2021 and led the city’s efforts to update its Parks & Recreation Open Spaces (PROS) plan.

He had also done extensive work preparing the Parks Commission’s 2023-24 work plan, according Public Works Director Jeff Langhelm.

His involvement with the city’s Parks Commission was immediate, commission chair Ben Coronado said.

“Matthew’s employment by the City of Gig Harbor certainly proved advantageous, and he made immediate and impactful contributions towards the list of park projects in Gig Harbor,” Coronado said in an email.

“He was paramount in putting the finishing touches on the PROS plan, led community meetings about the Sports Complex and worked towards conservation and acquisition efforts in the North Creek area.

New Parks Manager Matt Keough has worked many places, but says Gig Harbor is where he belongs. Photo courtesy of Matt Keough

“We are certainly grateful for Matthew’s time and contributions in bringing some of these park projects to reality. His gracious demeanor and expertise in community engagement will certainly be an asset in his next endeavor.”

During the Aug. 3 Parks Commission meeting, Commissioner Georgina Armstrong expressed concern that Keough’s move to PenMet might indicate a trend. Keough’s predecessor at Gig Harbor, Nicole Jones-Vogel, also left the city to work for PenMet.

According to city clerk Josh Stecker, the city will post a job opening announcement for a parks manager position soon.