Aberdeen Names New Parks & Recreation Director

ABERDEEN, NJ — With the retirement of longtime Aberdeen Parks & Rec Director James Colabelli this spring, Aberdeen has now named Keith Heckman as the Director of Parks & Recreation for Aberdeen Township.

Heckman was appointed to the job by Aberdeen Mayor Fred Tagliarini. Heckman was hired at a salary of $75,000 per year. Colabelli retired earning $112,750 annually, so there is a net savings to Aberdeen Township taxpayers of $37,750.

Heckman is an 11-year veteran of the Monmouth County Park System, where he actually got his start as a park ranger.

Heckman began his career in 2010 as a park ranger in the Monmouth County Parks system before moving into golf administration. He was subsequently elevated to manager within the golf unit. This was followed by a promotion to recreation supervisor in the Visitor Service division, where his responsibilities included supervising department programming, including general recreation, special events and summer camps.

“As a Certified Park and Recreation Professional (CPRP), Keith joins us with extensive experience in recreational programming, budgeting, staff management and customer service during his years at Monmouth County’s acclaimed Park System,” said Aberdeen Township Manager Bryan Russell. “He brings the skillset, leadership qualities and energy to direct a department responsible for maintaining our 16 neighborhood parks and athletic complexes, Senior Center and other facilities, as well as coordinating special events and year-round programming for residents of all ages.”

Heckman holds a college degree in political science and a master's in corporate & public communication from Monmouth University. In addition to the CPRP designation, Heckman is a Certified Pool Operator (CPO) and earned a certificate from the National Recreation and Park Association’s Revenue Development & Management School.

“I welcome this opportunity to lead Aberdeen’s Parks & Recreation Department and look forward to working with the administration, Council, residents and business community in making our facilities and programming even more robust," said Heckman.

Colabelli retired this spring after 23 years of service to the town of Aberdeen. He was very popular in town.

“We are thrilled to have Keith on board and are confident that he will build upon the strong foundation that Jim Colabelli built,” said Mayor Tagliarini, who serves on the Aberdeen Township Council’s Parks Committee with Councilwomen Connie Kelley and Margaret Montone. “We will miss Jim and will think about him every Aberdeen Day, every Fourth of July and whenever there’s an event that he helped create or build. He was Aberdeen, through and through.”

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