City Manager Jim Couch announced today the selection of Aubrey Hammontree to lead the City’s Planning Department and Wichita, Kansas resident Doug Kupper as head of the Parks and Recreation Department.
The City conducted nationwide searches for both positions.
“I’m pleased to welcome these two industry professionals to the City’s executive team,” City Manager Jim Couch said. “These experts will help move Oklahoma City forward and improve our quality of life.”
Aubrey Hammontree – Planning Director
Hammontree began her career with Oklahoma City in 2000 as an associate planner. She was promoted several times during her 14 year tenure and led various planning projects including the comprehensive plan. She was named assistant director in 2013 and became the interim Planning director prior to Russell Claus’ departure in January 2014.
“Community engagement, consensus building and project implementation are Aubrey’s strong suits,” City Manager Jim Couch said. “She has the vision and the drive needed to implement inner city improvement strategies while addressing the City’s growth.”
Hammontree will oversee approximately 48 positions in four divisions:
· Current Planning and Urban Design
· Long Range Planning and Redevelopment
· Housing and Community Development
· Administration
“We will be focused on several large scale initiatives in the next few years, including the comprehensive plan, downtown strategic plans and our role in MAPS 3 projects,” Hammontree said. “I want to build on the success and momentum of targeted initiatives such as the Commercial District Revitalization Program and Strong Neighborhood Initiative.”
Hammontree earned her master’s degree in landscape architecture and a bachelor’s degree in environmental design from the University of Oklahoma.
Doug Kupper – Parks and Recreation Director
Kupper is currently the Parks and Recreation director for the City of Wichita, KS, where he was responsible for the operation of 127 parks, five 18-hole golf courses, athletics, grounds management and recreation programs. He served as director for 14 years.
Kupper will begin work on May 27 and replaces Wendel Whisenhunt who retires May 1.
Prior to working for the City of Wichita, Kupper worked as a parks operation manager for the City of Tampa, Florida. Before that he worked for Broward County as the superintendent of Parks and Recreation Central District.
"Kupper is a respected parks professional and has committed his entire career to the field.” City Manager Jim Couch said. “He understands our City’s commitment to improving the quality of life for residents and is avid about bringing his passion and experience to Oklahoma City.”
Kupper will oversee approximately 200 employees in five divisions:
· Horticulture and Gardens
· Grounds Management
· Recreation
· Civic Center Music Hall
· Administration
“The synergy in Oklahoma City attracted me to the position,” Kupper said. “I’m impressed that the City values improving the quality of life for citizens. It’s apparent that everyone is on the same page in wanting Oklahoma City to be the best it can be and I’m excited about being afforded this opportunity.”
Kulpper earned a bachelor’s degree in Parks and Recreation from Ohio State University in Columbus, Ohio.
Contact: Kristy Yager
297-2550 / 863-2831
kristy.yager@okc.gov
