The Los Angeles County Department of Parks and Recreation has appointed Alina Bokde as chief deputy director. The appointment by Director Norma García-González marks the first time that two women have led the 76-year-old agency.

“Alina brings extensive experience in the field of parks and recreation and a strong commitment to advancing equity and developing programs and projects that support vibrant, healthy and thriving communities,” García-González said.

“I am deeply honored to be appointed chief deputy director for L.A. County Parks and look forward to working with the board of supervisors, our staff, partners and community members to advance the important work of delivering park and recreation programs and projects throughout the County,” Bokde added.

Bokde will be responsible for the day-to-day operations of the department and will oversee deputy directors in charge of administration, planning and development, and operations. She comes to the position after four years as deputy director of the planning and development agency for the Los Angeles County Department of Parks and Recreation.

In her previous position, Bokde, worked to address park disparities, as identified in the 2016 Park Needs Assessment, by bringing over $40 million for new parks, playground renovations and infrastructure investment in parks.

The 2016 Park Needs Assessment was a comprehensive document that identified park disparities in high- and very high-need communities, particularly low-income communities of color.

Bokde has also held leadership positions in the public and nonprofit sectors, including deputy executive officer of the Rivers and Mountains Conservancy and executive director of the Los Angeles Neighborhood Land Trust.