With the retirement of John Taylor, Rock Hill PRT makes it official with his successor

Mark Sexton has been Named the New Director of PRT. Here is the press release by the city

City Manager David Vehaun named Mark Sexton as the Director of Parks, Recreation and Tourism (PRT) starting July 1, 2024, with the retirement of the current director, John Taylor, at the end of June. As the Director, Mark will play a pivotal role in ensuring PRT continues to provide a wholesome program of leisure, recreational, tourism, and cultural opportunities and facilities that enhance the quality of life for Rock Hill residents and visitors.

Mark most recently served as the Operations Supervisor of the Parks, Recreation and Tourism Department for the City of Rock Hill, a position he has held since 2015.  Prior to that, Mark served in various roles from a seasonal employee starting in 1994 to Recreation Coordinator, Athletic Supervisor, Recreation Superintendent, and then eventually the department’s Operations Supervisor.

Mark earned his Bachelor of Science in Recreation with an emphasis on leisure services from Winthrop University in 1994.  While at Winthrop, he played varsity baseball for four years, serving as captain his senior year, and was awarded the Rock Hill Orthopedic Leadership Award in athletics.  In 2009, Winthrop recognized him for his work in leisure services to the Rock Hill community as a member of the “Distinguished Alumni in Physical Education.“

Mark is a past festival chairman and board chairman of the Rock Hill Come-See-Me Festival and Board of Governors, a past board member and chairman of the Rock Hill/York County Convention and Visitors Bureau, and a Past President of the South Carolina Recreation and Park Association, where he received the 2002 Young Professional of the Year and 2015 Professional of the Year awards.  Mark presently serves on the South Carolina Tourism Expenditure Review Committee.

David Vehaun commented, “Mark’s background and expertise in the various areas of the PRT industry give him a unique perspective on supporting our citizens, visitors, and staff.  Please join me in congratulating Mark.”