Tim Ryan, tryan@shawanoleader.com
Shawano Park and Recreation Director Judy Judd said Tuesday she plans to retire within the next couple of months.
Judd said the date has not been determined, but would be in February or March.
Judd said that after 31 years on the job, it was time to retire.
“On Sunday, I’ll start a new decade and I’ll be eligible to swim with the Senior Swimmers,” she said, adding the group will be one of the things she will miss most after she leaves.
“I admire their sense of community and family,” she said.
“It was a tough decision,” Judd said. “I care deeply about the city and my co-workers.”
Judd said she will do what she can to assist the Park and Recreation Commission and the city with the transition to a new director.
Judd is part of a group of city employees who have spent all or most of their careers in Shawano, including Police Chief Ed Whealon, who announced last week he will retire in April, and former Public Works director Rick Stautz, who retired in April 2013.
“We all came in around the same time,” Judd said.
Mayor Lorna Marquardt said it has been a tough couple of days for the city, learning of Judd’s retirement on the heels of Whealon’s announcement.
“It is difficult losing such experience and commitment,” Marquardt said. “When you work here, the staff is like family.”
Marquardt said working with Judd has been a pleasure.
“She will be deeply missed by her staff and the community she serves,” Marquardt said. “During her tenure, Judy saw a great deal of change. As the city grew, so did her responsibilities.”
There are 26 parks in the city overseen by the department, which is also responsible for Woodlawn Cemetery.
“Judy never lost sight of costs to the taxpayers.” Marquardt said. “She kept staff at a minimum. She was a great manager, maybe partly because she cared so much. I wish her a great retirement.”