City officials announced this week that Buck Martin has been hired as the city’s new community services director following an extensive open recruitment to replace retiring director Craig Sargent-Beach. Martin will begin work on Tuesday, Nov. 27.
Martin spent the last 10 years as the City of Chula Vista’s director of recreation. During his tenure, Martin was responsible for managing and programming 61 community parks that encompassed more than 600 acres of parkland. He managed the Chula Vista Nature Center and Living Museum, 10 recreation complexes and two aquatic facilities along with a $7 million budget, 400 part-time employees and 38 full-time employees.
In addition to his municipal experience, Martin served as the general manager of the Coors Amphitheater in Chula Vista, and the vice president of booking and event services at the Great Western Forum Sports Arena in Inglewood, Calif.
“Buck is a great fit to our dynamic, forward-thinking team in San Marcos,” said City Manager Jack Griffin. “His blend of public and private sector experience will be a tremendous asset to the department and the city as a whole.”
Martin holds a bachelor of arts degree in public administration from San Diego State University and is a member of the California Parks and Recreation Society, National Parks and Recreation Association and the International City/County Manager’s Association.
“San Marcos has been fortunate to have such a strong community services leader in Craig Sargent-Beach — a true recreation professional,” said Martin. “I look forward to building on that foundation and getting started on some of the projects under way like the new Connors Park. In addition, I plan to ensure the highest level of customer satisfaction by meeting the ever-changing recreational needs of our residents.”
Martin added that he plans to build a recreational system that is sustainable for years to come, and to make sure his team has fun implementing this vision.
In addition to his regular work duties, Martin coaches OMBAC Wallabies Youth Rugby and is an active member of Kiwanis International, Bonita/Sunnyside Fire Protection District Board and the Muller Chart School Director’s Advisory Council. He enjoys rugby, golf, fishing and hiking. Martin resides in Bonita with his wife, Wendy, and their two children.
