Shon Sylvia

Shon Sylvia, who has worked for Metro Parks since 1997, brings more than 30 years of experience in parks, recreation, community services, and public sector marketing and business development. On December 12, 2016, he was appointed Executive Director, effective January 1, 2017.

He is responsible for Metro Parks’ senior administration and management of its 275 career employees and 750 seasonal or part-time employees. Prior to his appointment, Shon managed a variety of departments within the park district: Marketing & Communications, Recreation & Community Services, and Business Operations & Direction, most recently serving as the Assistant Executive Director.

Shon previously worked for the City of Sunnyvale in California coordinating the city’s youth services division. Shon was awarded the Professional Merit Award and a variety of honors for excellence in youth programming by the California Parks and Recreation Association District VI.

Shon has served on the Pacific Northwest regional program committee for the National Recreation and Parks Association (NRPA) Congress, NRPA Board of Regents for the Marketing Revenue School, and the Washington Recreation and Parks (WRPA) program committee.

Throughout his career, Shon has focused on the role of parks and recreation in context to the overall well-being of Tacoma’s residents. He has a longstanding commitment to collaborate on programs and services that enhance health, wellness, education, and economic development. He currently serves as a board member of a variety of local non-profits, including:

Shon and his wife, Alicia, have been married for more than 20 years. At home, his favorite duties include taking his two daughters to volleyball, basketball, soccer, participating in activities with Girl Scouts, and enjoying family outings to Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium and Northwest Trek Wildlife Park.