Kerrville finds its new parks and recreation leader in Arizona

Jay Brimhall will take the helm as Kerrville’s new Parks and Recreation Department director in late May. With over a decade of leadership experience from a small mountain city in Arizona, Brimhall aims to enhance the community’s recreational offerings.

Brimhall, a Dallas native, previously served as the community services director for Show Low, Arizona, a city with approximately 11,700 residents in Navajo County. Located about 179 miles northeast of Phoenix, Show Low is known for its outdoor activities. In his role there, Brimhall developed parks, expanded trail systems, and enhanced recreation facilities while growing youth and adult sports programs. He also managed library services, parks maintenance, and grant and transit administration.

The appointment has received enthusiastic support from city officials and community leaders. Dalton Dover, who serves on the park advisory board and participated in the preliminary interview process, expressed strong confidence in the selection. “I honestly think it’s the right guy for the job. I like him a lot,” Dover remarked during a recent discussion on April 3, 2025. His endorsement carries particular weight given his active involvement in the hiring process and his position on the advisory board.

Brimhall earned a Master of Public Administration from Texas Tech University and holds a bachelor’s degree in Spanish from Arizona State University. During the 2001-02 season, he played basketball for Eastern Arizona College.

His background is diverse, with high school years split between Prescott, Arizona, and Hanover, Massachusetts. After starting his professional career in McAllen, Texas, he returned to Arizona to focus on community services.

During his two years living in Mexico, Brimhall developed a deep appreciation for Mexican culture. He actively engaged in Show Low’s Sister Cities partnership with Imuris, Sonora, fostering collaboration across borders.

Outside of work, Brimhall enjoys sports, music, and spending time outdoors with his wife, Melissa, and their children, William, Reagan, and Hannah. He brings his experiences as a drummer and athlete to his leadership approach, emphasizing the importance of helping residents connect, play, and thrive in their community.