Community center hires new executive director
AHCCC offers a 'wonderful' opportunity
By Joann Groff joann@theacorn.com

Annemarie Flaherty

Annemarie Flaherty has been in the field of parks and recreation since she worked as a swimming pool lifeguard while in high school near Chicago.

After college, Flaherty moved right into her first job with the Arlington Heights, Ill. recreation program and has been building her career ever since.

Flaherty was recently named the executive director for the Agoura Hills/Calabasas Community Center. Her new assignment began on Jan. 9.

"The main thing I realized working in parks and rec was how much I enjoyed being with people," Flaherty said. "I like to see them happy, and I like organizing events and being part of a community, whether working with others or volunteering. It's been very fulfilling for me."

The board of directors for the Community Center's joint powers authority recommended creating the top position last year in an effort to make the center more autonomous, said Michael Hafken, public information specialist for the city of Calabasas.

The facility offers recreational programs and facilities for both Agoura Hills and Calabasas.

"Annemarie Flaherty brings a wealth of experience to her new position," said James Bozajian, mayor of Calabasas and the joint powers chairman. "We are pleased to have her aboard, and are confident she will provide capable and innovative leadership to the Community Center as its new executive director."

Flaherty hails from the Chicago area and previously served as athletic director for the Arlington Heights Park District. She was also the facility supervisor for aquatics at the Lake Arlington Community Center.

Three-and-a-half years ago Flaherty moved to the Hollywood area with her husband, a producer and writer for the television and film industry. The couple has a 15-month-old son, Jack.

After a stint running a retail business on Hollywood's Melrose Avenue, Flaherty decided to return to parks and recreation.

"I was just looking for a community to make myself a new home in, and to get back in the parks and recreation field," Flaherty said. "I've been in these local communities in the past to attend certain events like the Calabasas Pumpkin Festival. I really like the area and I thought it would be a great opportunity to be a part of it."

So far the transition has been easy, Flaherty said.

"I am loving the West Coast," Flaherty said. "I feel like I have two homes. I've really settled in here. It has been just wonderful, and the staff has been so warm and welcoming, and so have the board and both communities."

Flaherty says she's been impressed with the Community Center's gyms and banquet halls. As for those who aren't familiar with the center, Flaherty encourages a visit.

"The AHCCC is a wonderful opportunity for people, for children, for families to come and participate in a safe, fun environment," she said. "We're starting a preschool program, and there's folk dancing, ballroom, different chess groups, youth programs.

"And the staff here is just phenomenal. Most staff has been here for almost the full eight years since it opened, and want to stay here for at least another eight. They are one of the best assets of this organization."

For more information about the Agoura Hills/Calabasas Community Center, visit www.ahccc.org.