City of Knoxville Parks and Recreation Director Joe Walsh has named Lori Goerlich, a former project manager for the Forest Preserve District in Will County, Illinois, as the Parks and Greenways Coordinator for the City.

The former project manager also has experience as a landscape designer with Jacobs/Ryan Associates, a Chicago-based landscape architectural consulting firm, and Thompson Dyke and Associates, a landscape firm with emphasis on municipal planning.

"I'm excited about getting the position filled and Lori starting work," Walsh said. "It's great timing with our new administration and Mayor Madeline Rogero's deep support of parks and greenways. Lori has qualifications that are very relevant to what she'll be doing in Knoxville."

Goerlich has managed the design and installation of several park projects and has worked in urban areas on community enhancement and recreation. A graduate of Iowa State University, Goerlich has interned with the Chicago Park District and in San Francisco - where she was part of a team to submit the winning design for an urban park.

Her duties as Knoxville's Parks and Greenways Coordinator will include tying Knoxville's communities together through trails and greenways; seeking funding and in-kind contributions to fund greenways; and planning greenway routes as well as park improvements.

"Lori's resume shows her commitment to parks and greenways, and I'm glad she is joining the City of Knoxville," Mayor Rogero said. "Her dedication and passion will help us continue the City's commitment to a greener Knoxville and enhanced outdoor recreational opportunities."

Goerlich will begin Thursday, April 5.