Shonnda Smith

As Executive Director, Shonnda is responsible for ensuring the smooth operational delivery of department initiatives across the Parks & Public Services Directorate. This includes oversight of Events, the Performance & Improvement, Parks and Recreation, Public Services, and Accreditation & Training. She previously served as Deputy Executive Director of Public Works, where she worked closely with the Executive Director to streamline processes and procedures, achieve accreditation in APWA and CAPRA, and oversee professional training and development.

Shonnda joined the City of Mobile’s Parks and Recreation division as its leader in 2019 and quickly developed a reputation as a visionary and an agent of change. Through her transformational leadership, she has revamped programming, reporting structures, and policies, all with a focus on creating a future for Mobile that we can be proud to call home.

Before her time at the City of Mobile, Shonnda served as Chief Programming Officer for the New Orleans Recreation Development Commission. Her previous professional roles include Executive Staff Officer for the Louisiana Department of Education, Program Manager for Miami Dade College, and Director of Community Programs for the Young Women’s Christian Association (YWCA) in Pasadena.

Shonnda’s diverse educational background includes a Master of Arts in Kinesiology/Sport Management from California State University; a Bachelor of Arts in Kinesiology/Secondary Physical Education from California State University; and participation in an Exchange Program at the University of Wales in Cardiff, United Kingdom. She also holds professional certifications in Human Resources (SHRM), is a National Recreation and Park Association Directors and a Certified Aquatics Facility Operator (AFO).

Shonnda is a current resident of Mobile, where she serves as a board member on the Bishop State Foundation Board, and South Alabama Red Cross. Additionally, she serves on the Program Committee and Magazine Editorial Board for the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA), and Board Member on NRPA.