SOUTHPORT — Southport has a new parks and recreation director six months after its department’s finances have been probed by the State Bureau of Investigation, one employee resigned from the department and its former director also stepped down.
Judy Singletary, a Wilmington native, was hired as of Sept. 9 and starts the job on Sept. 29, according to a press release from the city. Singletary has more than 29 years of experience in parks and recreation, including municipal recreation management, program development, operations, budgeting and community engagement.
Singletary got her start in 1997 in Wilmington and held several roles before stepping into a leadership position. She has served as recreation manager for Mooresville since 2017, holds a bachelor’s degree in business management and organizational development from Mount Olive College and a master’s degree in youth development leadership from Clemson University. She is also a certified parks and recreation professional.
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According to the city’s press release, Singletary has led “diverse recreational programs,” was in charge of multimillion-dollar annual budgets, established community partnerships and helped develop municipal strategic initiatives. She has also overseen more than 50 recreation programs annually and led the successful accreditation of summer camp programs through the American Camp Association.
“Judy brings the experience, leadership, and vision needed to move Southport’s Parks and Recreation Department forward,” City Manager Noah Saldo said. “Her commitment to creating meaningful recreational opportunities for people of all ages will be a tremendous asset to our community. We are excited to welcome Judy to the City of Southport team.”
The previous Southport parks and recreation head, Heather Hemphill, announced her retirement in July, months after an internal audit uncovered missing funds from the department in January. The investigation began in March. The administrative team from the department was put on paid leave, including Hemphill and former program director Maureen Moore, who resigned shortly after the announcement.
The SBI investigation is still ongoing.
The department closed facilities at the time, including the Jaycee Building, the senior center and the city gym; however, the fitness facility is now open.
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