New Supervisor For New Brunswick Recreation Department

The director of New Brunswick’s teen center has been appointed to supervise the city’s recreation department.

Edward Spencer is the new superintendent of recreation, replacing Michael Blackwell, who retired in August.

According to a city news release:

Spencer, who had been the director of the HUB Teen Center, will earn $73,000 a year in his new position. He started his new job on Oct. 5.

In addition, the city’s Youth Services System site facilitator, Sonny Keels, who holds a master’s degree in recreation administrator, will now also have some recreation department duties. He will help Spencer expand and enhance recreation programs.

“Between Ed Spencer’s extensive history of recreation program planning and community volunteering and Sonny Keels’ enthusiasm and education, we are excited to enter the next phase of the Recreation Department’s history,” Social Services Director Dave Blevins said in a prepared statement.

The YSS program and recreation division are both part of the city’s social services department.

Spencer has worked for the city’s social services department since 1999. He founded basketball, community leadership and nutrition programs for local children. He is also a member of the city’s Board of Education, and he was involved in the design of the HUB Teen Center.

“Ed’s dedication to his duties have helped to drive the success of many of our Teen Center programs,” Mayor Jim Cahill said in a prepared statement. “He was a natural fit for the Superintendent of Recreation position and we are confident that the department will continue to thrive under his capable leadership.”