Sylvana Niehuser appointed Parks, Arts & Recreation Director in Olympia

The City of Olympia has removed the interim tag and elevated Sylvana Niehuser to Parks, Arts & Recreation Director.

Olympia City Manager Jay Burney announced the appointment at a meeting of the city council on Tuesday, Oct. 21.

Burney highlighted Niehuser’s professional growth within the department, noting she began as a senior program specialist and served as director of Parks Planning and Maintenance. He added that she “worked seamlessly” while serving in the interim director role.

Niehuser’s appointment follows a nationwide search to fill the position, which was vacated by former Parks, Arts & Recreation Director Paul Simmons in February.

“As I got through the interview process and finished talking both to staff and community members that ... sat on the panel, it became very clear to me, what I already knew, is how well-respected Sylvana is, both in the community and among the Parks, Arts & Recreation staff,” said Burney at the city council meeting.

Niehuser expressed her gratitude, saying, “I feel honored to be selected and to be able to lead an amazing department with dedicated colleagues.”

Council member Jim Cooper commented on her professional journey from the city’s first park ranger to an executive leader.

“It’s been so great to see you grow into the position and take on this leadership role," he said.

Council member Dani Madrone praised Niehuser’s problem-solving skills and her approach to “figuring out how to say yes” to new ideas. She also noted Niehuser’s enthusiasm for “every project that hits her desk.”