On November 8, 2004 the Sonoma County Board of Supervisors hired Mary Burns as the new Director for the Regional Parks Department.  Mary came from San Mateo County Parks where she has been their Director since 1998.

In 1979, Mary was hired as the Assistant General Manager with San Francisco Recreation & Parks where she oversaw grants, capital projects, administrative and budget functions, accounting, human resources and purchasing. She also managed the funds for the Open Space Acquisition Fund. A few years later, she was promoted to General Manager of the same agency, where she stayed until 1996.

She then transferred to the private sector, consulting for foundations and the non-profit world. She also served as the interim Executive Director for the Bay Area Ridge Trail where she updated their Strategic Plan, and helped update the Open Space Plan and Recreation elements of the General Plan for Union City and Santa Monica.

Two years later Mary was back in public service as the Director at San Mateo County Parks, where she greatly increased outside funding sources through the development of a new parks foundation, and oversaw a tremendous increase in volunteer resources. 

As the new Director of Sonoma County Regional Parks, Mary is meeting with key stakeholders both inside and outside of the County. Mary sees parks agencies as critical players in building community, and looks forward to working with various organizations, park users, and park neighbors.      (Photo available on request).