Kathryn Vargas, MPA

Director, Department of Parks and Recreation | Adjunct Faculty

Professional Overview
Kathryn Vargas is an accomplished public sector leader with extensive experience in community recreation, youth development, and social services. As the Director of the Department of Parks and Recreation for the City of Pittsburgh, she oversees the strategic direction and operations of the city's extensive park system, recreational facilities, and youth programming. Kathryn also serves as an Adjunct Faculty member at the University of Pittsburgh School of Social Work, leveraging her practical expertise to educate the next generation of social service professionals.

Experience Summary

Current Roles
Director, Department of Parks and Recreation (2022 - Present)

• Provides strategic leadership and operational oversight for the City of Pittsburgh's extensive network of parks, recreational centers, and community programs

• Collaborates with civic leaders, community organizations, and stakeholders to develop innovative initiatives that enhance public access to green spaces, recreational activities, and youth development opportunities

• Manages a team of over 150 professionals and oversees an annual budget of $25 million to ensure the efficient and effective delivery of parks and recreation services

Adjunct Faculty, University of Pittsburgh School of Social Work (2021 - Present)

• Teaches graduate-level courses on community-based interventions, social service program management, and youth development

• Leverages real-world experience to provide students with practical insights and strategies for working in the public and non-profit sectors

Career Progression
Prior to her current roles, Kathryn held several leadership positions in the Pittsburgh community, including:

• Assistant Director of Community Recreation/Youth and Families, City of Pittsburgh (2019 - 2022)

• Director, Allegheny Partners for Out of School Time, United Way of Southwestern Pennsylvania (2016 - 2019)

• Senior Manager, United for Children, United Way of Southwestern Pennsylvania (2013 - 2016)

Throughout her career, Kathryn has demonstrated a commitment to improving access to community resources, enhancing youth development programs, and fostering cross-sector collaboration to address complex social challenges.

Academic Background
Kathryn holds a Master of Public Administration (MPA) degree from the University of Pittsburgh, where she specialized in nonprofit management and public policy. She also earned a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from Mount St. Mary's University, where she was recognized for her outstanding academic achievements and community service.

Areas of Expertise

• Community recreation and parks management

• Youth development and out-of-school time programming

• Nonprofit and public sector program management

• Stakeholder engagement and cross-sector collaboration

• Strategic planning and policy development

Professional Impact

• Spearheaded the development of the City of Pittsburgh's first comprehensive parks and recreation master plan, resulting in a $20 million investment in facility upgrades and new programming

• Secured over $5 million in grant funding to expand afterschool and summer youth enrichment programs, serving more than 10,000 children and adolescents annually

• Recognized as a leading voice in the field of community-based recreation and youth services, regularly speaking at national conferences and contributing to industry publications

Conclusion
As a respected public sector leader and passionate advocate for community well-being, Kathryn Vargas continues to drive meaningful change and positive impact through her roles in parks and recreation management, youth development, and social services education. Her extensive experience, collaborative approach, and commitment to empowering the Pittsburgh community position her as a valuable asset in addressing the evolving needs of the city and its residents.