Speaking Topics

• Local Government
• Public Service
• Principles in Leadership

On May 3rd, 2021, Mr. Rick Anthony became the Director of Recreation and Parks for the City of Bakersfield, returning to his hometown after being away for 30 years; making history by becoming the first African American to hold that position!

Previously, he was the Director of the Anne Arundel County Department of Recreation and Parks in Maryland from 2010-2021. He achieved his Certified Park & Recreation Executive Certification (CPRE) in June 2019.

Prior to becoming Director, he served as Special Assistant to the County Executive working as a community liaison between communities, local governments, and the County Executive’s Office. He also has experience in several aspects of local government working in detentions as a House Arrest Coordinator and a Pre-Trial Investigator.

Mr. Anthony has served as a football coach and commissioner of the Edgewater Athletic Club where he spearheaded the merge of three athletic organizations into one entity, South River Youth Athletics in Maryland, and was named the first president of that organization before accepting the job as Director.
He was also a Certified Arborist through the International Society of Arboriculture and a Maryland Tree Expert. He and his wife started their own tree care service; Arborquest and ran it for 8 years until they sold it in 2010.

Mr. Anthony previously served in the Air Force and as a disabled Veteran continues to serve on several boards and is active in the community.