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White Rock hires leisure services director

White Rock's long-empty leisure services director position has been filled.
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Eric Stepura takes over as White Rock's new director of leisure services on July 23.

The City of White Rock has a new director of leisure services.

Effective July 23, Eric Stepura will take over the role, which has been vacant since Rita Clarkson retired in November 2010 after 23 years in the city.

Stepura is former manager of sports and community events for the City of Richmond. His background includes managing the use of school and park facilities and overseeing services and the approval process for more than 100 annual community events.

He also played a significant role in Richmond hosting the 2009 BC Seniors Games, the 2010 Olympic Winter Games, the 2011 Richmond Ships to Shore Tall Ships Festival and the Rick Hansen 25th Anniversary Relay end-of-day celebrations held at the Richmond Olympic Oval.

Stepura’s volunteer experience includes serving as a board member with Sport BC and Pacific Sport Kamloops, and coaching development co-ordinator with Shuswap Youth Soccer. He is currently a member of BC Sport Agency’s Physical Literacy Working Group.

“We are pleased to have Eric onboard and know that his wealth of experience will prove valuable for the City of White Rock,” said Dan Bottrill, White Rock’s chief administrative officer.

The position has been filled on an acting basis by Sylvia Yee, the city’s manager of community recreation, since January 2011.

As director of leisure services, Stepura will provide leadership to all functions within the department, including leisure and self-management wellness programs, special events and community programming and development.