Gary Packan

Gary Packan serves as the Director of Parks and Recreation for the City of Denton, a position held since March 2018, overseeing a $27 million operating budget and a staff of 300 while managing 33 parks and multiple recreational facilities. Previously, Gary worked as the Conference Manager and a founding member of the Brand+Aid Marketing and Social Media Conference team, and held the role of Assistant Director of Parks and Recreation for the City of Arlington, contributing to a high-cost recovery rate. Earlier career experience includes serving as Assistant City Manager in Sandusky, Ohio, where Gary led the creation of the state's first flat water trail, and as Director of Parks and Recreation in Huron, Ohio, where Gary developed programs from the ground up. Gary's educational background includes a Master's in Recreation and Leisure Services and a Bachelor's in Recreation Administration from Bowling Green State University, along with an Associate Degree in General Studies.