Meet Arlington County's New Parks and Recreation Director

Arlington County has chosen a new director of its Parks and Recreation Department, an Arlington resident who has nearly 10 years of relevant experience in the field.

“I’m really excited to join and learn as much as possible,” Rudolph said.

Rudolph is taking over the position from Shannon Flanagan-Watson, who was named acting director when former head Dinesh Tiwari retired from the county in June.

“Jane brings a deep knowledge of running an urban parks system, and will be a great asset to Arlington County,” Arlington County Manager Barbara Donnellan stated in a news release.

Rudolph worked for the New York City Parks and Recreation Department until just more than two years ago, when she and her husband decided to move to Arlington.

“My husband and I were looking to have a quality of life change for our kids,” Rudolph said. “We had been in New York for a long time and we really liked Washington… My husband had a job opportunity so we figured we should go for it.”

Rudolph said she spends most of her outdoor time hiking, playing tennis, and in neighborhood playgrounds with her children, ages 2 and 4.

“I am looking forward to working with this wonderful system and see ways we can improve it,” Rudoph said.

Rudolph will join the county Jan. 7.

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