08/04/2026
Congratulations, Kerry Bodenheimer!
The City of Owensboro is pleased to announce the promotion of Kerry Bodenheimer as the new Director of Owensboro Parks & Recreation, effective August 24, 2026.
Bodenheimer has dedicated more than 25 years to Owensboro Parks & Recreation, beginning as a part-time employee in 1999. She joined the department full-time as a Recreation Specialist in 2002 before being promoted to Recreation Superintendent in 2007. She succeeds Amanda Rogers, who is retiring after serving as director since 2010.
“It is difficult to put into words what this opportunity means to me. Parks & Recreation has been my professional home for the past 25 years, and I have been fortunate to spend that time serving a community I now call home,” said Bodenheimer, “Throughout my career, I have worked alongside incredible colleagues, dedicated volunteers, and community partners who share a passion for making our parks, programs, and facilities places where people connect, grow, and create lasting memories. I have had the opportunity to experience firsthand the many levels, programs, and facilities that make up our department, and I believe this provides me with the necessary experience and knowledge to lead our team into our next chapter.”
City Manager Nate Pagan said Bodenheimer's extensive experience and passion for parks and recreation make her the right person to lead the department into its next chapter.
"The City of Owensboro is excited to congratulate Kerry on her well-deserved promotion to Director of Owensboro Parks & Recreation," said City Manager Nate Pagan. "Over the past 25 years, Kerry has demonstrated exceptional leadership, a passion for serving our community, and a deep commitment to our Parks & Recreation Department. Her experience and dedication have prepared her to lead the department into the future, and I have no doubt she will continue building on its outstanding success.”
In addition to her leadership within the department, Bodenheimer has remained actively involved in the community. She is a member of the Owensboro-Daviess County Tennis Association and volunteer coaches with the Owensboro Figure Skating Club.
"I am truly grateful for the trust that has been placed in me and for the mentors who have helped shape my journey along the way. As Director, I look forward to honoring the department's mission in making Owensboro Kentucky’s number one city to live, work, and play. Owensboro's parks are more than just places- they are where families gather, children play, friendships are formed, and traditions are created. It is a privilege to help lead an organization that has such a meaningful impact on the lives of our residents, and I am excited for what the future holds."
