Atkins named to lead parks department

The city has named a new leader for its parks department. 

Jeff Atkins, currently the assistant director of parks and recreation, will take over as the department's leader on April 5. He will replace Chuck Kempf, who is retiring. 

Retiring director Chuck Kempf has worked together with Atkins for the last 20 years stating,

“Jeff is a strong leader who is very dedicated to our community,” said Kempf, who has worked with Atkins for 20 years.

A St. Joseph native, Atkins began his career with the City of St. Joseph in 1986 as the maintenance electrician for the parks department. He was later promoted to park maintenance field supervisor followed by superintendent of parks and became the assistant director in 2016. 

Atkins’ salary will be $109,694.