Excerpted from the official city press release:
The City of Belmont is pleased to announce the appointment of Kevin Kobayashi as our new Parks, Recreation, and Culture Director. Kobayashi will begin his role on April 27.
This transition also marks the retirement of the City’s current Director, Brigitte Shearer, whose leadership over the past eight years has helped strengthen Belmont’s parks, programs, and community services. The City extends its sincere gratitude for her dedication, vision, and lasting contributions to the Belmont community. Her commitment to enhancing inclusive opportunities and fostering a strong sense of community will have a lasting impact for years to come.
Kobayashi brings more than 25 years of experience in municipal golf operations and parks and recreation, along with a strong track record of leadership in managing public-facing services, facilities, and programs. Most recently, he served as the Golf and Visitor Services Manager for the City of San Mateo’s Parks and Recreation Department, overseeing the 105-acre Poplar Creek Golf Course and the City’s Park Ranger program. During his tenure, he also managed 32 parks, including ball fields, playgrounds, and maintenance operations, and later assumed oversight of the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Community Center, two community pools, picnic reservations, adult and youth sports programs, and gym rentals at San Mateo High School.