City of Mount Vernon Hires Jeff Derr as Recreation Director

MOUNT VERNON, October 31, 2023 – The City of Mount Vernon has hired Jeff Derr as its new
Recreation Director. His first day on the job was October 24, 2023.
Derr replaces Tanner Salyers, who was named Recreation Director early this year but had to
resign from the position on October 16 upon being appointed the City’s new Safety-Service
Director.

As Recreation Director, Derr will be responsible for managing
the City’s many sports and recreation programs, rental
facilities, outdoor park spaces and tournaments.
“Jeff is coming on board just as the City is expanding its
recreation opportunities beyond just the ball sports, although
those of course will remain a big part of the job. He will play a
major role in developing and updating our parks master plan,
which is all about providing our residents with more and better
ways to have fun as the City grows,” said Mayor Matthew
Starr.
“We have a lot of faith in him.”
Derr is a graduate of Mount Vernon Nazarene University,
where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in sports
management and exercise studies, as well as a Master of Arts
in Education in health and physical education, K-12.
Derr has more than 13 years’ experience as a certified parks
and recreation professional, beginning with three years as a
recreation specialist for Grove City, Ohio, followed by 10 years as a recreation assistant manager
for the Recreation and Parks Department of Columbus, Ohio. Derr, a Mount Vernon resident and
native, is currently a membership sales representative for Knox Community Hospital’s Connections
Fitness Center.
“It is truly an honor and privilege to be taking on this role with the City of Mount Vernon. I am very
excited to be back in my hometown and look forward to developing our community’s Recreation
Department to help grow and enhance the quality of life for our residents,” said Derr.
“There is great opportunity on the horizon, and I look forward to working with the various
departments, community leadership, and supportive agencies throughout Mount Vernon and Knox
County.”