Recreational Appointment
Gay man to head D.C.'s Parks and Recreation
Mayor Adrian Fenty (D) on Aug. 3 named Clark Ray, a prominent member of the local GLBT community, to head the District’s Department of Parks and Recreation. This appointment makes Ray the highest-ranking openly gay Fenty appointee. The appointment must be confirmed by the City Council.
Previously, Ray has served as director of the Mayor’s Office of Community Relations and Services and as director of external affairs of the D.C. Sports and Entertainment Commission.
A member of the city’s GLBT Democratic club, the Gertrude Stein Democrats, Ray also served as deputy campaign manager for then Vice President Al Gore’s failed 2000 presidential bid and as chief of staff for his wife, Tipper Gore. He holds a master’s in education from Temple University.
The D.C. Department of Parks and Recreation is responsible for supervising and maintaining the District’s parks and recreation centers, as well as providing a variety of programs such as sports leagues, child care and activities for elderly residents.
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