The City of Hoboken hired Jessica Lezcano as the new head of their division of recreation at a $110,000 annual salary after serving in similar roles in Passaic and Rutherford.
By John Heinis/Hudson County View
“Jessica’s depth of experience and innovative approach to recreation make her an ideal addition to the City of Hoboken. Together with Director Pellegrini, Jessica will be tasked with running the City’s sports programming, girls’ softball, basketball, flag football, and other new offerings, including volleyball, with the objective of thoughtful, equitable and advanced planning and notice of programming to benefit both children and parents supporting our recreation program,” Mayor Ravi Bhalla said in a statement.
“Jessica will also be integral in taking our recreation programming to the next level with innovative technology upgrades, new creative offerings, and unparalleled service. I look forward to working with her as we revitalize the Division of Recreation.”
The city advertised that they were looking to fill the new post back in January, in hopes of making bolstering their youth sports programs.
Lezcano, whose first day on the job in the Mile Square City was yesterday, most recently earned $99,259 a year as the recreation director in Rutherford, according to public records.
“I would like to sincerely thank the Mayor for the opportunity to serve the City of Hoboken,” she said.
“I have been dedicated to creating organized and efficient sports programming, accessible parks, establishing innovative programs that foster stimulation, and orchestrating fun moments that turn into great memories. I am excited to build upon the foundation of Hoboken Recreation to improve access and programming for the entire community.”
In Rutherford, she redesigned and managed creative ways for the residents to engage in safe activities during a global pandemic, including launching borough-wide scavenger hunts, virtual races, and a new youth rock band program, among others.
She also introduced a variety of technology upgrades, including online registrations, and communicated with participants through streamlined virtual platforms.
As superintendent of recreation in Passaic, Lezcano performed administrative work, including planning, developing, scheduling, directing, implementing, and marketing year-round city-wide recreation, senior, and cultural affairs programming.
She oversaw strategic planning, personnel, and the department budget, additionally securing millions of external grant funds for projects that included the construction of a riverwalk along the Passaic River, the construction of a state-of-the-art multi-sport field, and new playgrounds.
“Jessica is a welcomed addition to the Recreation Division who will be instrumental as we work to transform our recreation programming,” added Director of Health and Human Services Leo Pellegrini.
“Demand is incredibly high for our offerings, and we must expand to meet the current and future needs of our diverse community. I look forward to working with Jessica to provide exciting programs for residents of all ages.”
The city’s recreation division provides the joy of sports and physical activity through various youth athletic programs to over 2,000 children annually between the ages of 5 and 18. It offers baseball, flag football, soccer, tennis, basketball, softball, and other sports annually.