Norwich — City officials have named Colchester Recreation Director Cheryl Hancin Preston as Norwich's first recreation director in four years, starting as a part-time position for seven months and becoming full time starting July 1.

Preston will begin her new position Monday. City officials plan to schedule an open house meet-and-greet with her soon. She will be paid based on the annual part-time salary starting at $48,028 for the first six months, rising to $51,870. If the position becomes full time in July in the new budget, the salary would be set at $88,180.

A Norwich native and city resident, Preston has worked as Colchester recreation director for the past six years and has a master’s degree in recreation and sports management from Florida International University and a master’s degree in business administration from the University of Hartford.

“This is my dream job,” Preston said Tuesday in a news release. “I am really excited to help the department increase programming and activities for city residents of all ages and diverse backgrounds.”

Preston is a certified recreation and parks professional, an aquatics facility operator, American Red Cross lifeguard, health and nutrition coach and a master gardener, according to the release. She could not be reached for comment Tuesday.

The City Council voted Monday to increase the part-time position to a full-time one beginning July 1, 2018. The Recreation Department has been without a director since the fall of 2013 and was placed under the supervision of Norwich Human Services two years ago. That department also includes Adult and Family Services and Youth and Family Services divisions and the Rose City Senior Center.

“I am thrilled that the city manager and council recognized the importance of this position and in increasing the Rec Department’s ability to provide valuable services and programs for our residents,” Norwich Human Services Director Lee Ann Gomes said in the release. “Cheryl will be a welcomed addition to the efforts of Victoria Daniels, our program administrator, who has done yeomen's work in the absence of a director over the last several years.”

Daniels also welcomed the appointment.

“I am very excited and look forward to working with Cheryl,” Daniels said in the release.

c.bessette@theday.com