CWU alum named Lynnwood parks, recreation and cultural arts director

Central Washington University alumnus Joel Faber was recently selected as the new parks, recreation and cultural arts department director for the City of Lynnwood.

Faber has worked for the city since he graduated from CWU in 1998 with a degree in leisure services, starting out as a teen program coordinator. He then developed and managed a teen volunteer program, a weekly late-night program, and a summer camp before being promoted to special events and health and wellness supervisor.

When the Lynnwood Recreation Center was remodeled in 2011, Faber was promoted to recreation superintendent, where he supervised all aspects of the recreation division, including aquatics, customer service, recreation programs, and dozens of programs for local seniors. He has served as the department’s interim director since last March following the retirement of the former director.

“Joel has more than two decades of experience serving our community with our parks, recreation and cultural arts team,” Lynnwood Mayor Christine Frizzell said in a recent news article. “He has played a crucial role in the success of our recreation center as its superintendent, and his ability to lead, collaborate, communicate and strategize will be a tremendous asset in his role as our next director.”

Faber is a father of three who enjoys hiking and playing racquetball at the recreation center. He recently completed a Master’s in Business Administration from Western Governors University.

He said he is eagerly anticipating the next chapter in his 26-year career with the City of Lynnwood.

“Working alongside such a dedicated group of professionals is an honor, and I look forward to building on past successes and continuing to make Lynnwood the best place to live, work and play—where all are welcome,” he said.