After nearly 11 years in leadership roles with Marin County Parks, Chris Chamberlain, shown at left, is the choice to become the department’s new leader.
County Executive Derek Johnson announced December 23 that Chamberlain, Parks’ assistant director since 2016 and interim director for the past three months, was appointed after a national search for the replacement for the departed Max Korten. Chamberlain has led the department since Korten took on a new challenge in the East Bay in October. This fall, final candidates were interviewed and evaluated by both an internal County of Marin panel and a community panel.
“Chris Chamberlain’s deep understanding of Marin County’s unique landscapes, combined with his visionary leadership and commitment to sustainability, make him the ideal choice to lead our Parks and Open Space Department,” said Derek Johnson, County Executive. “His extensive experience in managing natural resources and fostering community partnerships ensures that Marin’s parks and open spaces will continue to thrive, providing equitable access and environmental stewardship for generations to come.”
With 27 years of progressive experience in Bay Area parks and public lands management, Chris Chamberlain has proven strategic and leadership expertise. His recent achievements include a decade of successful project implementation and ongoing community engagement, resulting in 75% voter support for the 2022 re-implementation of Parks Measure A. During his tenure as assistant director, Marin County Parks had ten years of error-free financial reporting. He has led an organization dedicated to serving Marin communities, resulting in enhanced fire fuel risk reduction, eliminating fees at regional parks, expanding community grants, enhanced sea level rise resilience, and continuing natural resources protection.
Chris grew up in Santa Ana, California. In 1998 he began his career as a Marin County Park Ranger, where he advanced to Supervising Park Ranger. He then went on to work for the Greater Vallejo Recreation District and the City of Richmond broadening the breadth and depth of his experience. He returned to Marin County in 2014 as a Parks and Open Space Superintendent and rose to Assistant Director in 2016. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Parks and Natural Resource Management from Chico State University.
“The parks and open space preserves are what make Marin a great place to live and visit,” Chamberlain said. “I’m honored and grateful to lead the organization that serves as the steward of these exceptional public lands. We will continue preserving Marin’s natural resources, while delivering projects and initiatives that are meaningful to our local communities.”
Board of Supervisors President Dennis Rodoni represents District 4, which includes the majority of Marin County Parks’ open space preserves in rural central and western Marin as well as many of its smaller facilities.
“Chris Chamberlain’s leadership and dedication to Marin’s natural landscapes and partnership with rural land managers and farmers make him the perfect choice to guide our Parks and Open Space Department into the future,” said President Rodoni.
Marin County Parks is charged with the management and maintenance of 34 open space preserves totaling more than 18,500 acres, 45 parks and other recreational facilities, and 150 staff members (full-time and seasonal staff).
This past year was the busiest in the department’s history. Chamberlain and the Parks team successfully completed the Roy’s Redwoods restoration and inclusive access project, initiated the Bolinas Wye wetlands restoration and sea level rise resilience project, repaired and reopened the damaged McNears Pier, and partnered to secure the permanent protection of the Martha Property on the Tiburon peninsula.
In 2025, key priorities include completing the Bolinas Wye project, advancing the planning for the Magical Bridges inclusive playground, improving the environmental performance of the roads and trails throughout the open space preserves, and supporting the County Fire Headquarters project and San Geronimo Creek restoration efforts at the recently acquired San Geronimo Commons property.
Chamberlain’s starting annual salary will be $231,608 with benefits comparable with other County department heads.
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