From staff reports
The Town of Harrisburg announced the addition of two new staff members this week, adding a Finance Director and Parks & Recreation Director.
Michele Reapsmith, who was hired as finance director, comes to the position with 20 years of experience in the public, private and governmental sectors. Most recently, she served as finance manager for the City of Salisbury.
In addition to providing advice and support to the town management on fiscal issues, she will be responsible for the town’s internal controls, external audit coordination, budget preparation and monitoring, as well as preparation of the comprehensive annual financial reports, management of accounting functions, customer service and utility billing/collections.
Reapsmith recently completed her PhD in Business and holds an MBA and two Bachelors of Science in Accounting and Business respectively. She is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, the Government Finance Officer’s Association, and the American Accounting Association, which she has published academic journals.
Officials also announced the hiring of a full-time Parks & Recreation Director.
Foster Hughes began his duties on Jan. 7 and comes with a Bachelor’s Degree in Recreation Management along with 19 years of experience working in Recreation Departments in other towns.
Sixteen of those years were spent in the City of Asheboro, first as the Director of Special Programs for six years, then as Assistant Parks & Recreation Director for seven years, and finally as Parks & Recreation Director for the last three years.
Hughes also holds certifications in Pool Operation, Water Safety Instruction, Lifeguard Training, NYSCA Clinician, as well as being a certified Park & Recreation Professional.
One of the first projects that Hughes will be involved in is the merger of the Harrisburg Youth Association into the Town’s Parks & Recreation Department. He will also be working closely with the Fourth of July Committee and volunteers as preparation begins for the parade and festival this year.