SALISBURY — Keisha Coxe, a parks and recreation professional with over 17 years of recreation experience, is Salisbury’s new parks and recreation director. Her first day is Monday, May 6.

Coxe currently serves as recreation district manager in Orlando, Florida, where she manages the city of Orlando’s families, parks and recreation department’s sites, athletics, building maintenance and staff development training goals. Her responsibilities include supervising 17 recreation sites, senior programming as part of the Senior Connection Initiative, and cultural arts activities for Orlando’s multi-ethnic and multi-generational populations.

Previously, Coxe spent 11 years with Mecklenburg County as both a program supervisor and facility director. She also served a stint with Perform Media Inc. as a facility manager in Charlotte.

“Salisbury’s parks and recreation director search drew interest from a wide and talented array of recreation professionals from across the country,” said Salisbury City Manager Jim Greene. “Keisha was a stand out early in the process with her programming and senior resident activities experience. Most notable is her work with youth and her ability to develop community partnerships. We’re excited to welcome her aboard.”

“As a North Carolina native, I’m excited to return to my home state to lead an award-winning recreation program,” said Coxe. “Salisbury is attractive to me because of its rich traditions and exciting opportunities on the horizon. I’m looking forward to building relationships and creating memories for residents in this community.”

Coxe holds a bachelor’s degree from Wingate University in parks and recreation administration.