New Leadership at Auburn Recreation

• March 10, 2022

NEW LEADERSHIP AT AUBURN RECREATION

Experience, dedication make team a winning combination

AUBURN – Auburn’s Recreation Department has new leadership, and their wealth of experience and commitment make them a winning team.

In December of 2021, the city named Jeremy Gatcomb as Director and Dawna Daigle as Deputy Director of the Recreation Department.

“I am proud to have Jeremy and Dawna leading our recreation efforts,” said City Manager Phil Crowell. “We have built some great momentum – and a strong reputation - for our events and programming in Auburn in recent years. These two bring experience and enthusiasm to what they are doing, and residents should expect great things from Auburn Rec in the years to come.”

Gatcomb, who began working for the city in 2010, has a bachelor’s degree in Sports Management from Daniel Webster College. He was first hired as Auburn’s recreation program leader, overseeing adult and youth sports, special events and facility rentals. When Ingersoll Turf Facility opened in 2015, he became general manager. In 2018, recreation superintendent was added to his title, and he took responsibility of day-to-day facility operations and supervision of full-time recreation staff.

“I’m excited to lead this department and proud to serve this community,” said Gatcomb, who has worked in the sport/recreation field professionally since 2006. “I have spent my entire professional life in the recreation world, and I love serving residents of all ages. From 1 to 100, seeing the smiles on their faces when they participate in our programs is one of the most rewarding things for me,” he added.

Auburn’s new deputy director of recreation shares Gatcomb’s love of community. Dawna Daigle first joined the Auburn Recreation team in 2011, when she was hired – by Gatcomb - as a camp counselor. She spent six years working part-time at rec camp and on various sports programs and in 2017, she was hired as a full-time recreation specialist. Daigle holds a bachelor’s degree in Exercise Science (with minors in Physical Education and Sports Management) from Florida Southern College, as well as a Master of Science from Northeastern University in Leadership in Social Change and Sport.

“I was born and raised in New Auburn, so my love for this city started at a young age,” said Daigle. “Growing up in Auburn and participating in rec programs myself are the main reasons my dedication and loyalty to this community are so strong. I am super excited for this new leadership role.”

Daigle says that her focus will be on improving part-time staffing, policy and procedure updates, and overall program improvements. “I want to hear from our patrons and get their insight on how we can do even better. I want Auburn to be the heart of recreation in Maine.”

“Our staff here is amazing and they make it possible for us to offer a diverse variety of exceptional programs and events, not only for Auburn residents, but surrounding communities as well,” added Gatcomb. “There is a strong ‘team’ feeling here and a real passion for everything that we do. That, combined with the investments Auburn has made – and continues to make - in facilities, fields, courts, and infrastructure will help make this city a recreation destination.”

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