Chesterfield County recently named Dr. James D. Worsley as new director of the Chesterfield County parks and recreation department. Worsley is filling the position of longtime director Michael S. Golden, who retired April 1. Worsley will begin Aug. 1.
Currently the parks and recreation director for Columbus, Ga., – he held that a position starting in 2011 –Worsley has a doctorate in leadership studies from North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University, as well as master’s and bachelor’s degrees in recreation management and parks, recreation and tourism, both from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. He is also a certified parks and recreation executive, parks and recreation professional, and therapeutic recreation specialist.
Prior to his director position in Columbus, Worsley was the regional parks and recreation manager for Mecklenburg County, N.C., where he had worked since 2003.
“We are delighted to welcome Dr. Worsley to Chesterfield County,” said Sarah Snead, deputy county administrator for human services. “He brings a wealth of knowledge and a depth of experience in the parks and recreation field that we believe will benefit Chesterfield greatly in a position that is critical to maintaining the county’s outstanding quality of life.”
“I am honored to be selected as the next leader of the award-winning Chesterfield County parks and recreation department,” Worsley said. “My family and I look forward to planting deep roots in the region as we make Chesterfield County our new home. Most importantly, I look forward to working with my new team and all community stakeholders.”
