“While I am excited for this new professional chapter, it is bittersweet for me as I will miss my Mill Valley community so much,” Rogers says. “Mill Valley is such a special place to live and work; I’m so grateful to have had this opportunity where I get to come to work every day and create cool things in collaboration with such engaged, creative and caring people. I am gratified by all the awesome things we’ve created together as a community -– facilities, programs, events & services – and know they will only continue to blossom and grow over time.”
Rogers took over the department from Christine Sansom in July 2012, overseeing and significantly expanding upon the array of functions at the Mill Valley Community Center and the Aquatics & Fitness Center, but also a seemingly ever-growing list of programs and services, including an award-winning expansion of its adaptive needs programming. She fostered partnership and collaboration among a host of stakeholders and organizations, including the Mill Valley Chamber.
“Jenny has long been one of our most tireless, engaged collaborators in driving community vitality in Mill Valley,” MV Chamber Co-Director Paula Reynolds says. “From the Art in Public Places program, which has led to public art in the form of a variety of art benches and art-wrapped utility boxes, to our work together on the free Movies in the Park series, Jenny’s can-do spirit permeated throughout our community. She will be missed.”
As director of community services, Rogers will oversee the department’s administrative support, human services, library, and recreation and parks divisions. She will also direct the development and implementation of innovative programs to enhance the community cultural, educational, leisure, and library services.
“Beverly Hills is such a special place and I am thrilled to be selected for this incredible opportunity,” Rogers says. “As an artist myself, my passion for my work is personal. I look forward to working with the City Council, incredibly talented City staff, and the community to build upon the world-class legacy Beverly Hills has created with its deep commitment to arts and culture, superior facilities and exceptional programming.”
Rogers says her personal connections to Mill Valley and the people she worked closely with over the years will remain strong despite her departure.
“I’ve made so many close relationships while working here and I know these deep bonds of friendship and my love for Mill Valley and Marin will last a lifetime,” she says.
To mark the occasion, Rogers and her MV Art & Recreation team are hosting “a big community social – Soup & Pie Potluck / Jenny Send Off” on Friday, December 20 (4-7pm) at the Community Center. (180 Camino Alto).
“Please come by the Center to say hi, thanks, and good luck,’ bring some soup or pie to share, enjoy delicious soup, yummy pie, good company and great fun!” Rogers says.
