Hannah Ormshaw Appointed Parks Director for San Mateo County

Redwood City - San Mateo County Parks is pleased to announce the appointment of Hannah Ormshaw as Parks Director, marking an exciting new chapter in the County Parks system. Her appointment was approved by the San Mateo County Board of Supervisors today. Ormshaw brings deep expertise in natural resource management and a commitment to serving the communities that depend on these treasured public spaces.

Ormshaw's appointment reflects nearly a decade of growth and leadership with San Mateo County Parks. She first joined the Department in 2015 as a Student Conservation Association (SCA) Youth Stewardship Crew Leader and later served as the Department's Senior GIS Intern through SCA. Following two years as an Assistant Ecologist with the Alameda Resource Conservation District, she returned to San Mateo County Parks as a Natural Resource Specialist.

Her leadership and expertise quickly led to increasing responsibilities. She was promoted to Natural Resources Manager in 2019, Assistant Parks Director in 2021, and now Parks Director in 2026.

"Having worked closely with Hannah, I've seen firsthand how deeply she cares about the people she works with, our parks, and the communities we serve. She leads with integrity and a genuine commitment to the Department, and I know she will continue to make a meaningful impact on San Mateo County Parks."
Emma Gonzalez, Interim Parks Director

Ormshaw brings a unique combination of scientific expertise, strategic thinking, and practical leadership to her new role. She holds a bachelor's degree in Environmental Studies from the University of Waterloo and a master's degree from the University of Toronto. Earlier in her career, she gained experience with the Toronto & Region Conservation Authority, Quinte Conservation Authority, Parks Canada, and Natural Resources Canada.

As Natural Resources Manager, Ormshaw oversaw a broad portfolio of initiatives, including habitat enhancement, invasive species control, wildfire fuel reduction, forest health, GIS mapping, and wildlife monitoring throughout the County's parks system. Her work demonstrated how innovative approaches can strengthen individual projects while also improving the long-term resilience and effectiveness of an entire organization.

One of her most significant accomplishments followed the 2020 CZU Lightning Complex Fire, which burned more than 2,800 acres of Pescadero Creek Park. Ormshaw spearheaded the development of the Climate & Habitat Resiliency Plan, creating a framework for restoring the area's ecosystem while protecting park infrastructure and facilities and promoting long-term ecological health. Ormshaw shepherded the plan through development, community and organizational engagement, and ultimately adoption by the San Mateo County Board of Supervisors in 2022. As part of the plan's funding strategy, she successfully advocated for an innovative revenue stream that allows less resilient trees to be sold for lumber, with proceeds placed into a trust fund dedicated to future restoration work at the park.

As she moved into department-wide leadership, Ormshaw expanded her focus to long-term planning, capital improvement projects, wildfire management, accessibility, and other priorities affecting the future of the parks system. Her background in natural resource management provides her with a valuable perspective on the interconnected challenges facing parks today, including climate change, wildfire resilience, environmental stewardship, public access, and evolving community needs.

Beyond her technical and strategic expertise, Ormshaw is known for a leadership style grounded in engagement, collaboration, and innovation. She works to create an environment in which colleagues feel empowered to contribute, learn, and grow, while maintaining a clear focus on the people and communities the Department serves.

Mentorship is also central to her leadership philosophy. Having benefited from mentors throughout her own career, Ormshaw is committed to developing the next generation of parks leaders and investing in the talent, creativity, and expertise needed to meet the environmental, operational, and community challenges of the future.

"San Mateo County Parks is fortunate to have a leader who combines deep knowledge of our natural resources with a clear vision for the future. Hannah understands that protecting our parks means not only caring for the land, but also investing in people, partnerships, innovation, and the communities we serve."
Scott Lombardi, Parks Superintendent

Ormshaw's appointment recognizes a record of professional growth, innovative problem-solving, collaborative leadership, and unwavering commitment to San Mateo County Parks. As Parks Director, she will lead the Department in its continued work to protect and enhance the County's extraordinary natural resources while ensuring its parks remain resilient, accessible, and welcoming for generations to come.