Assistant Director of Santa Monica’s Community and Cultural Services for 12 years. Karen Ginsberg has been named to succeed her boss, Barbara Stinchfield, who is retiring after 31 years with the City and 14 years as head of one of the City’s largest and most diverse departments.

With an operating budget of $47 million and 400 employees, the Department oversees everything from the arts to parks to services for homeless people.

Ginsberg, whose salary will be $186,300, will take the reins at the beginning of 2012, and will immediately assume responsibility for the construction the two new parks that are budgeted at $47 million and will be located at the northern end of the Civic Center – Palisades Garden Walk and the Town Square. She’s very familiar with the two projects as she was instrumental in gaining approvals for them .

She has also played a major role in managing the department’s budget and capital improvement program.

“Karen has a proven track record in overseeing community services and in realizing improvements to the city’s parks, open spaces and public facilities,” said City Manager Rod Gould. “Her clear, strategic thinking has served the department well in budget matters, team management and creative problem-solving.
Under Karen’s steady hand, the strength and competence of the current CCS management team will ensure a continued excellence in service to the community.”

As assistant director, Ginsberg also oversaw the expansion of Virginia Avenue Park and the development of Euclid and Airport Parks, the city’s first new parks in 24 years, and was charged with overseeing the state and local regulatory review process to transform what remained of the Marion Davies estate into the Annenberg Community Beach House at 415 PCH.

In addition, Ginsberg worked on an agreement with the School District to provide $56 million for recreational improvements on the Santa Monica High School campus that will make the facilities available to the public after school hours.

Before becoming assistant director, Ginsberg was Planning Manager for the City’s Planning Department for five years. She also worked for the Los Angeles City Community Redevelopment Agency as a planner.

With a BA in Art History from Skidmore College, Ginsberg received a Masters of Science in Historic Preservation from Columbia University.

“It is an honor to lead CCS and continue its tradition of excellent service to City residents and the broader public. I am grateful for this opportunity to serve in this capacity, with the exceptionally talented staff of the department,” said Ginsberg.