Cherry
State News

Nikiya N. Cherry Named Chapel Hill Parks and Recreation Assistant Director

@SpectacularMag
Cherry

CHAPEL HILL – After a national recruitment effort and a competitive selection process, Chapel Hill Parks and Recreation Director Atuya Cornwell has selected Recreation Manager Nikiya (Niki) Cherry to serve as the department’s Assistant Director. Her first day in the new role will be Monday, October 2, 2023.  

As Assistant Director, Cherry will oversee the day-to-day operations of Parks & Recreation, including service provision, facility operations, and programming.  She will also lead staff teams within the Business Operations and Recreation divisions. She will support special projects, including community engagement and evaluation efforts. 

“Niki has a passion for what it means to be a parks and recreation professional,” said Cornwell. “I am excited to continue to serve with her as she starts this key role and inspired by the impactful experiences that our department team will create for the community through her leadership.” 

Cherry joined the Town of Chapel Hill as Recreation Manager in 2018.  She earned her bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from Fayetteville State University and childcare development certificates from Durham Technical Community College.  She began her full-time career in parks and recreation as a Recreation Specialist with the City of Durham Parks and Recreation in 2004.    While there, she provided facility management, operations oversight, and program opportunities for residents of all ages. 

Over the last five years, Cherry has managed the delivery of Parks and Recreation’s programming curriculum, teen initiatives, and strategic partnerships.  These partnerships include key collaborations for the Town that expanded after-school and summer camp enrichment opportunities for youth in Chapel Hill. 

“It has been a rewarding five years building many recreational opportunities for the Chapel Hill community,” said Cherry. “I look forward to continuing those efforts while ensuring everyone is welcomed in our spaces.”  

Niki enjoys spending quality time and traveling with family during her free time, especially with her two teenage daughters, Jada and Jade.   

For more about Chapel Hill Parks and Recreation, visit chapelhillparks.org.