The county’s Planning Board has appointed Miti Figueredo as the new Montgomery Parks director after conducting a national search.
Before taking on the role of director, Figueredo worked as the Chief of Staff for the Planning Board Chair and later as the Parks Deputy Director for Administration.
According to a press release, Figueredo, the first Latina to lead the department, will become the Director on January 1, 2024, taking over from the retiring Parks Director, Mike Riley. Figueredo will be reporting to the five-member County Council-appointed Planning Board. In her new role, she will oversee 1,145 staff, including the Montgomery Park Police, manage a $148 million operating budget, and be responsible for a $296 million six-year Capital Improvements Program.
“I am honored and thrilled to lead Montgomery Parks,” Figueredo said. “I am committed to enhancing the quality of life for current and future generations in Montgomery County by creating parks amenities and programs that foster social connections, get people outside and exercising, and protect the environment. I am eager to use our community-focused, data-driven approach to advance the parks goals outlined in Thrive Montgomery 2050 and the 2022 PROS Plan.”
Figueredo has over six years of experience at The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission, according to Montgomery Parks. During her time there, she held the positions of Chief of Staff for the Planning Board and Parks Deputy Director of Administration, providing her with a thorough understanding of parks and planning issues in the county. Prior to joining the Commission, Figueredo worked in various roles in both the public and private sectors. She served as East County Regional Director under County Executive Isiah Leggett, Chief of Staff to Councilmember Nancy Navarro, and as an aide to Councilmember Roger Berliner and then-Congressman Chris Van Hollen.
Additionally, she held executive positions at the Chevy Chase Land Company, a mixed-use real estate development company, and served as the Director of Public Affairs for the Purple Line Transit Partners, the public-private partnership responsible for constructing the Purple Line light rail transit project.
Figueredo holds a law degree from Northwestern University School of Law and a Bachelor of Arts in history from the University of Florida.
“We have complete confidence in Miti’s ability to lead Montgomery Parks in delivering exceptional park experiences and programs for the county,” stated Planning Board Chair Artie Harris. “Her comprehensive knowledge of our community’s needs and instrumental role in shaping pivotal initiatives, such as the County’s General Plan Thrive Montgomery 2050 and the 2022 Parks, Recreation, and Open Space Plan, makes her an invaluable asset to our team.”
“Miti has been an invaluable colleague and advisor while serving as Deputy Director,” said outgoing Parks Director Mike Riley, who is set to retire at the end of the year after 38 years of service. “I am certain she will continue the Parks Department’s legacy of delivering exceptional parks and programs that make Montgomery County a great place to live, work and play.”
Montgomery Parks Photo