Montgomery County Department of Recreation Director Selected to Participate in Presidential Leadership Scholars Program

For Immediate Release: Wednesday, February 8, 2017

Montgomery County is pleased to announce that Gabriel Albornoz has been selected to participate in the Presidential Leadership Scholars program. This unique leadership development initiative draws upon the resources of the presidential centers of George W. Bush, William J. Clinton, George H.W. Bush, and Lyndon B. Johnson. Albornoz, who is the director of the Montgomery County Department of Recreation, is one of 60 Scholars chosen for the program’s third annual class.

 

The third cohort was selected after a rigorous application and review process. Scholars were selected based on their leadership growth potential and the strength of their personal leadership projects aimed at improving the civic or social good by addressing a problem or need in a community, profession, or organization.

 

County Executive Ike Leggett appointed Albornoz to serve as Director of the Department of Recreation in January 2007. At age 30, Albornoz became the youngest cabinet-level appointment in the history of Montgomery County.

 

“I am proud that Gabe has been selected as a Presidential Leadership Scholar,” said Leggett. “He is a dynamic leader with a bright future. This extraordinary recognition reflects Gabe’s hard work and dedicated service which has improved the lives of thousands of residents.”

 

Albornoz is responsible for overseeing 39 recreation facilities including community recreation centers, aquatic centers, and senior centers; more than 3,000 employees; and managing the department’s $33 million budget.

 

Under his leadership the Department of Recreation has received more than 60 national and state awards for program and administrative excellence. Through all of its programs and facilities, the Department of Recreation serves more than 400,000 County residents each year. In addition to serving as Director, he is co-chair of the County Executive's Positive Youth Development Initiative as well as the Senior Sub-Cabinet.

 

Over the course of several months, Scholars will travel to each participating presidential center to learn from former U.S. presidents, key administration officials, and leading academics. They will study and put into practice varying approaches to leadership, develop a network of peers, and exchange ideas with mentors and others who can help them make an impact in their communities.

 

The program kicks off this week in Washington, D.C., where Scholars will visit the National Archives and Records Administration, Mount Vernon, and the White House Historical Association and explore personal and professional development areas including core values and civility.

 

The latest class joins the alumni network of 121 Scholars in the program. They include individuals from diverse backgrounds and geographies, coming from a variety of sectors, including private, public, non-profit, military, and academia.

 

# # #

 

 

Release ID: 17-439
Media Contact: Carmen Berrios Martinez 240-777-6875