Benton County welcomes new Natural Areas, Parks and Events director

Benton County introduced Tommy Douglas as the new Natural Areas, Parks and Events (NAPE) director during the May 16 Board of Commissioners meeting.

Douglas told commissioners he brings experience in arts, parks and communications from prior roles in Eugene and Portland and said he will emphasize storytelling, partnerships and finding new revenue sources for parks and fairgrounds. “I think when you think about what we're going to see from Tommy in the next couple of years, I think you're going to see…a big emphasis on communications, on telling our story,” Douglas said.

Commissioners welcomed Douglas and noted plans for one‑on‑one meetings to help him learn departmental budget and operations. Douglas thanked interim leadership and said he planned to reach out to staff and community partners to better understand program needs.

Next steps: Douglas will meet with commissioners and staff to review budgets and program priorities and return with early priorities for parks, fairgrounds and natural‑area stewardship.