INDIANAPOLIS - John Williams, deputy director of Fleet and Solid Waste Services for the City of Indianapolis, was appointed director of the City's Department of Parks and Recreation on March 15. He starts in his new position on March 19, according to a release from the City.

Before his fleet role, Williams worked as assistant administrator in Operations and Information Services for the Department of Metropolitan Development's Division of Compliance. Previously he served as director of the Horace Mann Area Weed and Seed Initiative in Gary.

"John's responsibilities in DPW and DMD, which included developing and administering divisional budgets, will translate smoothly to his new role with Indy Parks," said Mayor Greg Ballard. "As a developer and co-chair of the Weed and Seed Steering Committee, he worked with community leaders to develop crime prevention and neighborhood revitalization initiatives - key components for the continued vitality of our city's parks system."

Williams will succeed Indy Parks Director Stuart Lowry, who is leaving to pursue opportunities in the private sector, the release stated.

Indianapolis was named No. 28 among the Top 100 Fleets in North America.