Laura Detweiler was named the Recreation and Senior Services Director in July of 2008 for the City of Newport Beach.  She directs a staff of 43 full time and approximately 100 part-time employees and oversees an annual operating budget of $13 million with revenues over $6 million. The Department consists of three divisions: administration, recreation services and senior services.  Her team oversees the use and programming of the City’s 76 parks and community centers, beaches and marine habitats while coordinating recreational, social, and educational opportunities that serve a population ranging from infants to those in their advanced years.

The backbone of the Department’s success are its team members working collaboratively with independent contractors and volunteers out in the field serving to fulfill our mission to enhance the quality of life for our residents and visitors.

Detweiler has more than 31 years of experience in recreation and community services. She has directed recreation and social programming for all age groups, managed numerous capital improvement projects ranging from park improvements to facility development and has worked extensively with non-profit community organizations, commissions, and city councils.  Throughout her career, she has worked for multiple municipal agencies, including the cities of Agoura Hills, Signal Hill, Long Beach and Cypress. Detweiler was previously the Community Services Director for the City of Cypress and holds a Bachelor degree in Leisure Studies and Recreation and a Master of Arts degree in Organizational Management.

She is a member of NRPA, CPRS, SCMAF and Women in Leisure Services and has served on the Board of Directors for CPRS and the District X Board of Directors including the Presidential series, VP of Finance and Programs and received the District X Leadership Merit, Coveted Leadership Award and Lifetime Achievement Award.