Special to the Herald
The City of Rincon has named Shannon Loper Interim Director of its Parks and Recreation Department. Her first day on the job will be Jan. 30.
Loper comes to Rincon highly recommended by her peers and brings her extensive experience and expertise to the role, having most recently served as Parks and Recreation Director in Beaufort County, South Carolina, according to Rincon City Manager Jonathan Lynn.
“She has demonstrated exceptional leadership, strategic thinking, and a deep commitment to recreation while providing exceptional services in this area of municipal operations,” said Lynn in a press release. “As Interim Department Director, Ms. Loper will oversee Rincon’s Parks and Recreation Department and play a crucial role in steering the organization toward increased success. Her immediate responsibilities will include updating processes in the department, enhancing services to the community, and overseeing several upcoming projects.
“We are confident Ms. Loper is the right person to lead our Recreation Department into the future beginning with this interim period. Her proven track record and dedication to organizational values make her an excellent choice for this role," Lynn continued.
Loper replaces the former parks and recreation director Mike Osborne who resigned in October, according to Lynn.
Addressing reports that Loper was terminated from her previous similar position with Beaufort County, South Carolina, Lynn said the city did its due diligence.
“She absolutely disclosed (that) information during every round of her interviews, as well as provided a supporting documentation as to the factual nature of what really happened,” Lynn explained. “And it gave us a comfort level that checking references and a general consensus that the credibility is not there for what was done.”
According to her LinkedIn profile, Loper was employed by Beaufort County for 7 ½ years.
Lynn continued, “We want to ensure the public that the City has done its due diligence in this hiring process and ensure the public that we have full faith in Ms. Loper’s ability to lead our Parks and Recreation Department.
“Due to awaiting resolution of some outstanding issues in South Carolina, we will begin Ms. Loper’s employment by having her serve as our Interim Director while awaiting that resolution. We fully expect those matters to be resolved in a satisfactory manner and at which time, Ms. Loper would go through the appointment process for the role on a permanent basis. We are excited to move our Parks and Recreation Department forward and grow the services we provide to our community,” Lynn said.
A meet-and-greet at Macomber Park is scheduled for Tuesday, Jan. 30, beginning at 6 p.m. for the public to come and meet Loper.
