Cathy DeShambo’s office in the Hannah Community Center is largely empty, with things that once adorned the walls wrapped in green bubble wrap. It’ll all be packed into her car by the end of the day because the public servant since 2012 is retiring. ELi spoke with her on Friday, July 18, her last day as East Lansing’s director of parks, recreation and arts.
DeShambo is stepping down after overseeing several transformational parks projects, installing deer management practices in the city and leading the department in the early stages after the Covid-19 pandemic.
“[DeShambo] is what we often term as a ‘Servant leader,’” Director of Planning, Building and Development Annette Irwin said at the July 15 City Council meeting. “She takes joy in working with others and serving her community with the utmost integrity and compassion.”…