Addison hires longtime Burleson parks leader

Local News Matters. We report on the meetings, neighborhoods, businesses and people shaping Farmers Branch, Addison and Carrollton. Subscribe to our free newsletter to stay informed or become a member to help keep this reporting independent.

Jessica Martinez joined the Town of Addison as its new assistant parks director Monday, Aug. 24, bringing more than 15 years of parks and recreation experience to the position.

Martinez comes to Addison from the City of Burleson, where she most recently served as deputy director of parks. She spent 15 years with Burleson Parks and Recreation, beginning her career in recreation before expanding into parks operations and capital planning in 2022. She was named deputy director in July 2024.

During her time in Burleson, Martinez worked in park operations, capital project planning, recreation programming, special events, facility management, budgeting and community engagement.

Martinez also was recently elected director of the Southwest Recreation and Parks Institute. The organization provides professional development and networking opportunities for parks and recreation professionals throughout the region.

She is a Certified Park and Recreation Professional, a graduate of the National Recreation and Park Association Director School and a State of Texas Certified Public Manager.

Martinez earned a Bachelor of Science in sport management from Campbell University, where she was a member of the Division I women’s basketball team.

_{Local News Matters.}