Bedford County Names New Director of Parks & Rec

Stuart Saunders has been a part of the team since 2014, serving most recently as Recreation Manager

Bedford County Administrator Robert Hiss has announced the appointment of Stuart Saunders as the County’s new Director of Parks and Recreation.

A member of the Bedford County Parks and Recreation team since 2014, Saunders has more than 15 years of experience in local government recreation services. He has twice served as Interim Director and most recently held the position of Recreation Manager, where he led the successful implementation of the new RecTrac software system for online registrations and facility reservations. Prior to this role, Saunders was the department’s Program Coordinator and oversaw the coordination and marketing of programs, events, and activities for residents of all ages.

Earlier in his career, Saunders held roles in the parks and recreation departments in both Campbell County and the City of Lynchburg. He has a bachelor’s degree in Recreation, Parks and Tourism from Radford University and recently completed a graduate certificate program in Local Government Management through Virginia Tech.

Upon accepting this new role in Bedford County, Saunders stated, “This community has shaped who I am—from playing in these same athletic leagues as a kid to hiking our trails with my family. I’ve seen firsthand how vital our public spaces are to the people who live here. Because of that deep connection, this role is more than just a job—it’s a personal commitment. I’m passionate about ensuring our parks, programs, and facilities are vibrant, inclusive, and accessible for everyone.”

Robert Hiss further stated, “Stuart brings a positive attitude, respect for others, and excellent communication skills to this role. I’ve been impressed with his desire for knowledge and his energy when working on new initiatives. His experience, ties to the community, and passion for service gives me confidence in his ability to lead the department. I look forward to seeing Stuart flourish in this role and building trusting relationships in the Bedford County community.”