Pictured in her new stomping ground, Stacey Yankee is Carmichael Recreation and Park District’s new administrator.

CARMICHAEL, CA (MPG) - After 76 years, Carmichael Recreation and Park District (CRPD) has hired its first woman administrator.

“I like to be an example for young women who are pursuing careers in STEM (Science/Technology/Engineering/Math) fields,” said appointee Stacey Yankee. “I feel I’m coming to this organization at an important time.”

“Because of the public funding voted in by Measure G (2022), many new projects can be implemented,” Yankee said. “There are fabulous things in store for our community. I’m excited to be part of that.”

Yankee, 53, replaces retiring administrator Mike Blondino. His successor was chosen from a dozen applicants. Having scoured the state, recruiters found their winner next door. Yankee and her graphic designer husband, Steve, moved to Carmichael from Maryland five years ago. Her job was then interpretation and education chief for California State Parks.

“California has the largest park system in the nation,” Yankee said. “So I was always traveling all over the state. I had little chance to explore my local parks. Now I’m eager to get involved with the community.”

Growing up in the Midwest, Yankee gained biology and public administration degrees from Michigan universities. She served a variety of nonprofit and government organizations while raising two daughters.

Carmichael Recreation and Park District Administrator Stacey Yankee hits Carmichael Park with corgi, Ellie.

“Since I was a child, I’d always loved to be outside,” she said. “My first park job was as a nature center naturalist. I took kids and adults on field trips in the woods. Some inner-city children and their parents were skittish about the outdoors. I loved helping them learn to love nature.

“Many urban kids were frightened of the dark,” Yankee recalled. “I told them I was scared of city subways at night. English was a second language for some of them. We all learned so much from each other. My passion for the outdoors translated more meaningfully than any language.”

The California State position brought her to a high rise in downtown Sacramento.

“It’s refreshing to have an office in a park, now,” she said. “I love being around trees and gardens. From my desk, I see people enjoying what parks offer.”

Naturalist Yankee gleaned much knowledge about plant benefits during her open-air career.

“I’ve combined what I learned about botanical properties with my chemistry background to produce soaps as a hobby,” Yankee said. “I grow lavender and roses organically in my garden, so I know there are no pesticides in my products. My friends and family get soaps, balms and salves. They’re so natural, I can even use them on our puppies.”

Stacey Yankee enjoys Carmichael Park with her English Mastiff puppy, Cleo.

Mom to a corgi and a baby English mastiff, the new administrator already enjoys Carmichael Park’s off-leash dog enclosures.

“Our park programs should serve a wide variety of interests,” Yankee said. “Dog lovers need to be outside with their special best friends. I'm happy we provide that opportunity.”

Another favorite among Carmichael Recreation and Park District’s 13 properties is Jensen Gardens.

“It’s such a hidden gem, with plants that I love,” Yankee said. “I enjoy a quiet place to picnic or to read a book. Peaceful reflection is just as beneficial as public concerts, festivals and sports.  That’s what I love about parks. Everybody uses them so differently.”