Stephen Bentley

Stephen C. Bentley is the Director of the City of Raleigh Parks, Recreation and Cultural Resources Department in Raleigh, North Carolina. With a career spanning over 20 years, he has worked for public park agencies at the federal, state and city levels of government.

As Director of the Raleigh award winning Parks Department, he is responsible for overseeing the vision, mission and values of its system. Over the last decade, Stephen has worked with elected officials, community and business leaders on significant investment in public space improvements across the city. Most recently he led the city’s efforts in the approval of a $275M voter approved referendum for parks and recreation improvements.

Stephen has extensive experience in park planning, studies, community engagement, design, and communication strategies. The values that guide his work include collaboration, inclusion and empowerment. He is active in several professional organizations and nonprofits and enjoys spending time outdoors with his wife Lisa and two Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, Cash and Teddy!