Annette Deghand Appointed Assistant Director - Recreation
Published on October 08, 2026
Annette Deghand Appointed Assistant Director - Recreation
Please join the Lawrence Parks, Recreation and Culture Department in welcoming Annette Deghand to the position of Assistant Director of Recreation!
Deghand brings more than three decades of experience in the PRC. She has served the City since 1991, beginning her career in Unified Recreation, formerly known as Special Populations. She later served as Recreation Program Supervisor in Unified Recreation before becoming Recreation Operations Manager in 2022.
In her several roles with the department, Deghand has supported programs, facilities, staff, and operations across multiple recreation divisions. Her experience includes program development, facility operations, staff leadership, budgeting, safety, and long-term planning. Her intuitive leadership has supported the department through challenging experiences, including COVID-19 and the World Cup. Most recently, Deghand helped to facilitate the Algerian National Football team’s use of one of the ping-pong tables from the East Lawrence Recreation Center. More on that here.
“Witnessing the meaningful impact our programs and facilities have on our patrons... these experiences reinforce the value of the work we do and inspire me to continue striving for excellence,” Deghand said.
In her new role, Deghand will continue to support the department’s recreation operations and staff while helping to advance programs, facilities, and services that keep Lawrence active, connected, and engaged.
Her appointment reflects a career-long commitment to public service and the Lawrence community, as well as the knowledge and experience she has developed through more than 35 years in the recreation profession.
Media Contact: City Communications, citycommunications@lawrenceks.gov
About the City of Lawrence
The City of Lawrence supports an unmistakably vibrant community with innovative, equitable, transparent and responsible local government. Together, we are creating a community where everyone can enjoy life and feel at home.