Kirk Franz has been named Director of the Parks and Recreation Department, replacing former director Jim Pryor and then interim director Laura Pate.

Franz brings over 30 years of parks and recreation experience to the role, previously serving the Alpharetta and Johns Creek areas.

“Parks and Recreation plays a vital role in creating a vibrant and healthy community,” said Assistant County Manager Tony Tarnacki. “Laura Pate has served excellently in the interim director role, and we are excited to welcome Kirk Franz to Forsyth County as his many years of experience will serve him well in continuing the County’s dedication to providing the community with safe, clean and inclusive parks and recreation opportunities.”

In 2007, Franz helped establish Johns Creek’s first Recreation & Parks Division, working for almost 20 years as Recreation Manager. He managed eight city parks, the city’s first Adult Activity Center and implemented new special events to serve over 17,000 city participants.

Franz has also worked in Alpharetta as Programs Director and Executive Director of Newtown Recreation, Inc., developing and supervising recreational programs for citizens of north Fulton County.

In 2020, Franz received the Georgia Recreation & Parks Association (GRPA) District 7 Administrator of the Year award, and Johns Creek Parks & Recreation received the GRPA Agency of the Year Award.

Franz is a Certified Park & Recreation Professional, a member of GRPA and the National Recreation & Parks Association, and he is the current Vice Commissioner for GRPA District 7.

He holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Kansas State University.

Franz will begin serving as Director of the Parks and Recreation Department for Forsyth County later this month.