MEDIA RELEASE FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE May 29,  2025

Contact: Darin Gale, Interim City Manager

Phone:     925.516.5440

Email:      dgale@brentwoodca.gov

CITY OF BRENTWOOD APPOINTS E. HARITH ALEEM, JR. AS NEW DIRECTOR OF PARKS AND RECREATION

BRENTWOOD, CA -- The City of Brentwood is proud to announce the appointment of E. Harith Aleem, Jr. as its new Director of Parks and Recreation, effective July 1, 2025.

Aleem brings over 20 years of experience in municipal parks and recreation leadership. Most recently, he served as the Assistant Director of Parks, Recreation, and Youth Development for the City of Oakland, where he managed a wide range of services, including aquatics, recreation programming, facility operations, and capital improvement projects.

A Brentwood resident, Aleem and his family are regular users of the City’s parks and recreation amenities. His personal connection to the community, combined with his extensive professional background, uniquely positions him to lead the department with both insight and passion.

Aleem’s journey in public recreation began as a teenager, when he worked as a certified lifeguard for Oakland Parks and Recreation. That early experience ignited a lifelong dedication to public service and community engagement.

“Harith’s expertise and community-minded approach make him the ideal leader for this role,” said Darin Gale, Interim City Manager of Brentwood. “We look forward to the positive impact he will have on Brentwood’s parks and recreation services.”

Throughout his career, Aleem has championed youth employment programs, improved recreation infrastructure, and fostered collaborative partnerships to enhance access to services. His leadership style emphasizes community-driven solutions and a commitment to equitable, high-quality recreational opportunities. 

“I’m honored to serve the city my family and I call home,” said Aleem. “Brentwood’s parks and recreation services are a vital part of what makes this community so special. I look forward to working with staff, residents, and City leadership to continue building programs and spaces that bring people together.”

Aleem holds a bachelor’s degree in public management, is a 2017 graduate of the Alameda County Leadership Academy, and earned his Certified Park and Recreation Professional (CPRP) credential from the National Recreation and Park Association in 2020.

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