Kalcevich Appointed Dubuque’s New Parks and Recreation Director

Sept. 2, 2025

Dubuque City Manager Mike Van Milligen has named Matt Kalcevich as the City’s new parks and recreation director. Kalcevich will begin his new role on Sept. 15 and replaces Marie Ware who retired from the position in July after leading the department for more than 15 years.

Matt Kalcevich

Kalcevich brings more than 20 years of progressive parks and recreation leadership experience across several states and cities. He most recently served as director of parks, recreation, and public property for five years for the City of Omaha, Nebraska. There, he directed a department with more than 170 full-time and 500 part-time/seasonal employees and a $38 million operating budget, overseeing 256 parks, forestry services, community centers, pools, trails, golf courses, and recreation programming. He also secured $12 million in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding for 10 park improvements, initiated and developed a 20-year master plan, and strengthened partnerships with community organizations including the Henry Doorly Zoo and Lauritzen Gardens.

Prior to his work in Omaha, Kalcevich served as recreation manager for the City of Des Moines for nearly five years where he oversaw all aspects of a comprehensive recreation program including youth/adult athletics, five aquatic facilities, special events, two community recreation centers, environmental education, volunteers, and various community partnerships. His previous professional experience includes leadership positions in recreation with the City of Peoria, Arizona; Louisiana State University; the City of Prescott, Arizona; and the U.S. Naval Base in Yokosuka, Japan.

Kalcevich holds a master of science degree in recreation management from Arizona State University and a bachelor of science degree in theatre from Northern Arizona University. He is also a Certified Park and Recreation Professional through the National Recreation and Park Association.

“Matt is a proven leader who brings a wealth of experience, creativity, and passion for parks and recreation,” said Van Milligen. “His collaborative and community-focused approach will be instrumental as we continue to enhance Dubuque’s parks, recreation programs, and public spaces for all residents.”

As Dubuque’s parks and recreation director, Kalcevich will provide executive leadership and administrative oversight for the department, which manages the city’s parks, trails, recreation programming, civic and conference centers, ice center, and nature center. He will also guide long-range planning, foster community partnerships, and ensure that services remain accessible and sustainable for Dubuque residents.

"I am honored to join the team in Dubuque and build on the strong foundation of programs and systems already in place,” said Kalcevich. “I am passionate about providing parks and recreation services for the community, and look forward to supporting and expanding this dynamic department.”

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(NOTE: Kalcevich is pronounced cal-sa-vich)

MEDIA CONTACT
Randy Gehl, Public Information Officer
rgehl@cityofdubuque.org, 563.589.4151