Sven Leff named new Cedar Rapids city parks and recreation director

Sven Leff, the city's recreation superintendent since 2011, has been named the city's new parks and recreation director.

City Manager Jeff Pomeranz selected Leff, 42, after a national candidate search, which attracted 47 applicants from 18 states. Six of those were interviewed in Cedar Rapids by a City Hall evaluation team and met with the public at an open house earlier this month. Leff was the only current city employee among the six finalists.

Pomeranz called Leff "the best-qualified" of the candidates.

"Sven's done an outstanding job in the recreation function, he's well-liked in the community, he's extremely well-liked by the employees and I think he'll do an outstanding job," Pomeranz said.

Leff joined the city's Parks and Recreation Department two years ago this month. Previously, he worked as recreation supervisor for the city of Reno, Nev. From 2007-2011 he served on the board of the Nevada Recreation & Park Society, and he was president the group from 2010-2011.

"Sven has over 16 years of experience within the recreation profession," Pomeranz said. "… He truly impressed those who interviewed him. … What is most impressive is Sven's commitment to the city organization and to our community."

Leff replaces Julie Sina, who

retired as the city's parks and recreation director at the end of March.