JEFFERSON — A Forsyth County parks official is one of three finalists to become the city of Jefferson’s next parks and recreation director.

The names, released by Jefferson City Manager Jason Tinsley, include Wayne Maddox, athletic manager for Forsyth County Parks and Recreation Department.

The other two finalists are Keith Hammond, former director of the Cherokee Recreation and Parks Department, and Fenton Morris, parks and rec director in Habersham County.

“We were fortunate to receive 68 applicants for the position,” Tinsley said. “After careful review, I am pleased that we identified three candidates who have a wealth of professional experience in developing and administering quality recreation programs for citizens of all ages.”

In the upcoming weeks, finalists will participate in a panel interview, the last phase of the consideration process.

The panel is made up of elected and appointed city leaders, members of the recreation board and other community members. Feedback from the interviews will be provided to the Tinsley for a final decision, which is expected no later than mid-May.

“I would like to personally thank the community leaders selected to participate in the panel interview process in advance for their time and valuable input,” Tinsley said. “The incoming parks and recreation director will be responsible for an array of services for the citizenry at-large, so community involvement as part of the consideration process is an important step.”

In his current position, Maddox is charged with the management of the athletic division in Forsyth’s parks department. Under his direction, the division administers various youth and adult athletic programs.

Maddox holds a bachelor of science degree in recreation from the University of West Georgia and lives in Commerce.

Throughout his career, Hammond has held several positions in the field of parks and recreation.

It is through that background he has gained experience in planning and administration, operating and capital budgeting, personnel oversight and other related activities. Hammond has a bachelor of science degree in public recreation administration from Georgia Southern University and resides in Woodstock.

As Habersham County’s parks director, Morris is responsible for all recreation programs and service offerings.

Morris oversees the department’s personnel, operating and capital budgets, athletic and non-athletic program development and forecasts future community park and leisure service needs.

Morris received a bachelor of science degree in outdoor education from Georgia College & State University and a master’s of science in physical education from Pittsburg State University. He lives in Mount Airy.

Jefferson Mayor Roy Plott praised Tinsley and the chairman of the recreation advisory board for “their efforts in securing three strong final candidates to vie for the opportunity to lead our city’s award-winning recreation program.”

“A robust recreation program is an important component in providing a positive quality of life for our citizens,” he said.