Gwinnett Daily Post

NORCROSS -- There's a new sheriff in charge of Norcross parks.

Long-time city employee Mary Beth Bender has been named Norcross' new recreation, parks and cultural arts division superintendent. In her role, Bender will oversee the city's 11 designated park areas and its cultural arts facilities, and is charged with "administering a diverse recreation program and municipal park system."

Bender has been a Norcross city employee for 13 years, most recently as the executive assistant for the city's public works, utilities and parks department.

"Mary Beth has excellent organizational skills, and extensive experience solving a wide scope of department-related issues when they arise," said Craig Mims, the director of the Norcross Public Works, Utilities and Parks Department.

"When the position opened, Mary Beth assumed the responsibilities on what we thought would be an interim basis; however, she did such a great job, we realized she was well-qualified for the job and felt it highly appropriate to offer her the position full-time."

Among other honors, Bender is a graduate of the Carl Vinson Institute of Government Excellence.