Mayor Kasim Reed has announced the appointment of a new Commissioner for the Atlanta Department of Parks and Recreation and a new Senior Advisor
Reed appointed Amy Phuong as Commissioner for the Department of Parks and Recreation. Phuong previously served as the city’s Chief Service Officer, where she helped to engage Atlantans in community service and channel volunteers towards the greatest areas of need. She played a leading role in launching and developing Reed’s Centers of Hope initiative where she helped to raise $5 million to support robust youth programs.
Prior to her appointment, Phuong had served as Interim Commissioner since May where she recently led the department in its effort to retain its National Recreation and Park Association accreditation. She was also instrumental in overseeing the reconstruction of John A. White Park Pool.
As Senior Advisor, Melissa Mullinax will provide guidance on legislative issues and manage Reed’s external relationships with government officials, neighborhood and community organizations, and city commission appointments. Mullinax will also continue to provide strategic communications counsel to the mayor and senior administration officials on operational and policy issues.
Formerly Deputy Director of Communications, Mullinax has 20 years of experience in politics, public affairs, strategic communications, grassroots organizing, ally development, and coalition building.
Both Mullinax and Phuong are Atlanta natives.