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Over two months since East Bay Regional Park District effectively parted ways with its general manager, the organization continues to operate without an interim leader given the Board of Directors’ unanimous decision at last week’s meeting to axe an agenda item for an appointment to the temporary post.
The board was initially poised on Tuesday (Jan. 13) to consider appointing retired GM Robert Doyle to the interim position for the period of Jan. 14 to Feb. 6.
If approved, Doyle would have filled in for Sabrina Landreth, who resigned from the helm Nov. 6, 2025 and scheduled Feb. 6 as her last day at the district.
It is unclear why the board decided to modify the agenda during open session, as directors did not discuss the vote and, according to the meeting’s staff report, Doyle was considered to have the experience and qualifications to serve as interim GM.
Without an interim, acting general manager Max Korten will serve at the post.
Speaking in an unaffiliated capacity, EBRPD Board President Olivia Sanwong explained her vote as being tied to the logistics of Landreth’s departure.
“While personnel matters must stay confidential, I was not ready to proceed with appointing an interim General Manager, as our previous General Manager remains in position until February 6th due to her resignation terms,” Sanwong told the Pleasanton Weekly.
Additionally, Sanwong anticipates seeing an interim general manager appointment item brought back to the board for their Feb. 3 meeting.
Meanwhile, EBRPD remains fully operational, she added.
“Our parks are open, staffed and providing the safe, healthful recreation and environmental education that are central to the East Bay Regional Park District’s mission,” Sanwong said.
Upon asking EBRPD officials why the board skipped a vote on Doyle’s appointment and the status of his future eligibility, EBRPD officials recounted the board’s unanimous decision and confirmed Korten’s ongoing role at the district “while the Board works with Human Resources to determine next steps.”
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