By Lookout Staff

December 22, 2011 -- Karen Ginsberg, who has been second in command of Santa Monica's Community & Cultural Services -- one of the City's largest and most visible departments -- will assume the top post, City officials announced Thursday.

After what City officials called an "internal rigorous recruitment process," Ginsberg was chosen to replace Barbara Stinchfield, who for 14 years headed the department that has an operating budget of $47 million and approximately 400 full- and part-time employees.

Ginsberg, who will be paid $186,300, will take over at the start of the new year and will oversee the construction of two new parks in the heart of the Civic Center, among other major program and infrastructure improvements, officials said.

"Karen has a proven track record in overseeing community services and in realizing improvements to the city's parks, open spaces and public facilities," said City Managr Rod Gould. "Her clear, strategic thinking has served the department well in budget matters, team management and creative problem-solving.

"Under Karen's steady hand, the strength and competence of the current CCS management team will ensure a continued excellence in service to the community," Gould said.

Ginsberg served for 12 years as assistant director of the department, which is charged with running recreational facilities, culture and arts programs, human services, funding for nonprofit grant programs, and public landscape.

During her tenure, Ginsberg oversaw the expansion of Virginia Avenue Park and the development of Euclid and Airport Parks, which were the city's first two new parks in 24 years.

Ginsberg also was charged with the overseeing the state and local regulatory review process to turn what was lefty of the earthquake-battered Marion Davies estate into the Annenberg Community Beach House at 415 PCH, City officials said.

She also was instrumental in gaining approvals for Palisades Garden Walk and Town Square and played a major role in managing the department's budget and capital improvement program, officials said.

In addition, Ginsberg worked on an agreement with the School District to provide $56 million for recreational improvements on the Santa Monica High School that will open the school facilities to the public after school hours.

Before becoming assistant director, Ginsberg was Planning Manager for the City's Planning Department from 1994 to 1999. She also worked for the Los Angeles City Community Redevelopment Agency in a planner capacity.

Ginsberg received a Masters of Science in Historic Preservation from Columbia University in New York City. She earned a Bachelor of Arts in Art History from Skidmore College, Saratoga Springs, New York.

"It is an honor to lead CCS and continue its tradition of excellent service to City residents and the broader public. I am grateful for this opportunity to serve in this capacity, with the exceptionally talented staff of the department," said Ginsberg.