The city of Stockton has named Donté Watson its new community services director, effective June 15.
The position oversees the city’s recreation and library services, including policy development, program planning, budget administration and overall department operations. The annual salary ranges from $173,400 to $221,276, according to the city’s job posting. Watson’s exact salary was not disclosed.
Watson brings more than two decades of experience in parks, recreation and community services in California. He most recently served as director of the recreation and parks department for the city of Santa Rosa from November 2023 to July 2025. Previously, he spent more than 13 years with the city of Oakland’s parks, recreation and youth development department, serving as a recreation center director, recreation general supervisor and acting assistant director…