By BOB SHRALUKA
WZBD.com
Cara Gerber has been named superintendent of Decatur’s parks system, the announcement being made by Mayor Dan Rickord at Tuesday night’s city council meeting.
Gerber was chosen from an original field of 20 applicants for the new position within city government.
“I am very excited to have someone overseeing the management of the parks and recreation system,” Rickord told WZBD.com. “I care dearly about our parks system and am proud of the dedicated staff we currently have.
“She brings a great deal of experience in parks and recreation as well as years of service to the youth.”
“I am truly honored and grateful for the opportunity to serve as the City of Decatur Parks and Recreation Superintendent,” Gerber told WZBD.com. “My top priority is to create an environment where individuals of all ages and abilities feel a true sense of belonging in any recreation activity they choose to participate in.”
In her new role, Gerber – who has been serving as a special education teacher at Bellmont Elementary – will direct all levels of the parks department, from activities and assets to grounds and maintenance, explained Rickord, who made the appointment.
“What is great about it is that there are really good team members currently overseeing the day-to-day activities,” the mayor said. “Her role will be to manage everything from a 30,000-foot level.”
Gerber, whose husband, Kevin, is the chief of police, will report to the city’s park board.
She begins her new duties February 24.
“In my first few months, I plan to connect with staff and the community — listening first, learning what’s working well, and identifying areas where we can continue to grow as a department,” Gerber said.
“I’m excited to get creative with programming, work closely with our community members, and ensure we’re communicating clearly, all while managing taxpayer dollars responsibly.”
Ryan Lehrman will continue as the city’s manager of the REV Sports Complex, a city post he was hired for in 2022.
BLUFFTON NATIVE: Gerber was born and raised in Bluffton, the daughter of Dave and Cathy Dinwiddie.
She is a 2000 graduate of Norwell High School who went on to Ball State University and earn an undergraduate degree in Exercise Science: Aquatics.
She moved to Decatur in 2006 upon marrying Kevin Gerber.
They are the parents of two children, Colten and Isabelle.
EXTENSIVE: Gerber has extensive experience in the field of parks and recreation. In fact, she worked for Decatur’s parks and recreation department from 2006-2016 as a lifeguard, swim instructor and lifeguard instructor..
From 2001-2006, she was employed by Quabache State Park in Wells County and from 1998-2000 worked for the Bluffton parks/rec department.
As an intern at IU-PUI in Indianapolis, she organized and coordinated the city’s children’s triathlon.
Gerber also has a background in special education and is winding up her time as a special education instructor at Bellmont Elementary School, a post she has held since August of 2022.
She previously was a special education teacher at Lancaster Elementary in Wells County (June, 2017-August 2022), Heritage High School (August 2006-August 2011) and Heritage Elementary (August 2011-2017).
She owns a Master’s in mild intervention with licensure from the University of St. Francis in Fort Wayne.
About the Author
