Elorza Caught on Video Unable to Explain Key Appointment

Elorza Caught on Video Unable to Explain Key Appointment

Providence Mayor Jorge Elorza has refused to answer questions about his nomination of Wendy Nilsson to serve as Superintendent of the Providence Parks Department, following at GoLocal investigation that found that Nilsson does not meet the minimum requirements for the position, according to the city’s charter and the posted requirements for the job.

Following a St. Joseph's Day celebration at Providence City Hall on Thursday, Elorza would not answer questions about the qualifications of Nilsson, who is the part-time head of the non-profit Partnership for Providence Parks since 2012. 

"I haven't seen her name come forward to the council yet, and I haven't seen her resume.  She would be required to be vetted," said Providence City Council President Luis Aponte. "I've heard good things but there are charter requirements and it's a department that's a substantial part of our city.  It's not just parks, but rec centers, little league fields, it's a substantial request.  We will go through her appointment.  As of yet, it's not been put on the docket." 

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Position Requirements in Question

The posted application for the Parks Superintendent position included the requirement of a “minimum of ten years of experience in fields related to park administration or the equivalent in training or experience working with the public sector.” The City Charter states that the Superintendent “shall be a person holding at least a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with a minimum of five (5) years' experience in fields related to parks' administration or the equivalent in training or experience.”  

Nilsson has been Executive Director of the Partnership for Providence Parks, a non-profit that claims it “brings community, business and City resources together to improve the City’s park system,” since January of 2012, and a press release by the city also cites experience with Boston Community Centers and the Rhode Island Department of Education, as well as founding the “Friends of Brown Street Park” in 2006.

The Mayor’s office, upon making the announcement of the nomination, would not provide a resume.

The Providence Department of Parks + Recreation oversees the operation of over 100 city parks and employs roughly 170 people. The department is responsible for the operation of the Roger Williams Park Zoo and casino, the Museum of Natural History, the Botanical Center, the Alex and Ani City Center ice skating rink, North Burial Ground, Triggs Memorial Golf Course as well as community parks and greenspace throughout the city.

According to the latest 990 filings of “Partnership for Providence Parks”, the organization had a fund balance of $37,760 at the end of 2013, after declaring just over $65,000 in contributions, gifts and grants for the year. In contrast, the annual budget for the Parks and Recreation Department for FY 2015 was nearly $14 million. The posted yearly salary for the Superintendent of Parks is $102,566.

The City of Providence's job application also requires a “demonstrated experience supervising and managing a large number of employees; experience with a unionized work force a plus” and “demonstrated knowledge of funding park and recreation activities with private and government grants, concessions, and other earned income activities” as requirements for the position.

Nilsson’s predecessor, Robert McMahon, who retired earlier this year, began his tenure with the Parks and Recreation Department as a Deputy Superintendent in 1986, before assuming the post of Superintendent in 2008. McMahon was a graduate of Brown University and held a Master’s Degree in planning from the University of Rhode Island. Nilsson holds a Master’s of Education degree in Education Policy specializing in Community Education from Boston University, and graduated from Wheaton College in 1988.

In a statement, Elorza said “I am pleased to welcome Wendy to her new role as Parks and Recreation Superintendent. Park space and public recreation are critical components of healthy urban communities and I know that Wendy will serve the City of Providence with distinction.”

“I am thrilled to be appointed by Mayor Elorza to this position,” said Nilsson. “Our goal with Providence’s extensive parks and recreation system should be to develop it so that sports, recreation, arts, and play will engage and inspire everyone who lives in the City.”

The City Council needs to approve Nilsson's appointment. 

"I can't remember us ever turning anyone down, but I do know that people have withdrawn," said City Councilman Kevin Jackson. "Here's the thing.  It has seemed to me in my opinion, that we're told as the Council to uphold the charter, but that branch gets to pick and choose, an that's been consistent across administrations."  

"I know that she's well-regarded on the East Side," said Jackson of Nilsson.  "We'll have to review her candidacy and the requirements."