CHAPEL HILL – Ray “Butch” Kisiah is retiring as head of the Town of Chapel Hill Parks and Recreation Department in December.

Kisiah has held the position since 2007, and some of the major projects completed during his tenure include the Homestead Aquatic Center, Southern Community Park, and Morgan Creek Trail.

“Now we are putting in synthetic soccer fields out at Cedar Fields Park,” Kisiah said. “None of this could have happened if the staff had not really grown and developed. They are just a fantastic group of individuals that really care about what they are doing as Park and Recreation professionals and care about what they do for the Town of Chapel Hill.”

Kisiah said he and his wife will be moving to Hilton Head after spending six years in the Triangle.

Prior to moving to Chapel Hill, he worked for the City of Asheville Parks and Recreation Department and the North Carolina Division of Parks and Recreation.

Town Manager Roger Stancil will be in charge of the process to find a new head of the department.

“The reason I came to Chapel Hill was because of Roger Stancil. He is the finest Town Manager I have ever worked for in over 30 years of working in this business,” Kisiah said. ” He’ll do the right thing and will put together a process to name my successor, and I’m sure it will go just fine.”

Kisiah’s last day in office will be December 20.

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