Last month, East Bay Regional Park District appointed Max Korten as its new Deputy General Manager. Korten, who brings extensive leadership experience, joins the district’s Executive Leadership Team as it celebrates its 91st anniversary and looks toward a future of conserving open spaces in Alameda and Contra Costa counties.
“I’m super excited about this new role,” Korten said. “It’s a dream job to get to do this.”
Korten first got his taste of working in the wilderness at just 19, when he worked as a park ranger in Los Padres National Forest. He’s since had multiple executive roles in parks across California and the Bay Area. When he’s not on duty, he enjoys spending time outdoors with his 10 year old.
Korten, a resident of the East Bay for 15 years, comes to the district following a decade with Marin County Parks, where he served as director and general manager since 2016. During his tenure, Korten oversaw 34 open space preserves, 45 parks and a staff of 150 employees. His previous roles include serving as the natural resources program director for Conservation Corps North Bay, and as a backcountry ranger and trail crew supervisor with the Bureau of Land Management and the U.S. Forest Service. Korten holds a degree in Environmental Studies from the University of California, Santa Cruz, and a Master’s in Natural Resources from Humboldt State University.
Saying the parks have been important to him and his community, Korten expressed enthusiasm about his new role.
“I’m excited to meet a lot of people and support these really cool parks,” Korten said.
Korten will officially begin his new position on October 8, 2024.
