Congratulations and Farewell to Liz Klohmann, IYB Director

As we say goodbye to current IYB director, Liz Klohmann, here are a few highlights from her 25+ year career at the Ithaca Youth Bureau. We will miss her guidance and wish her a happy retirement!

Liz began as an intern with Recreation Mainstreaming Services (now known as Recreation Support Services)  as part of her Ithaca College coursework in the 1980s.

During the late 80's Liz worked with Recreation programs and was part of the staff that had to move from the YB home known as the Tin Can (a Quonset hut) to West Clinton Plaza for 2 years while the current YB building was built and then move back in 1987 when the new building opened.
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In 1995, she was on the front lines in the formation of the Recreation Partnership which makes it possible for the ten participating municipalities and the County to offer high quality recreation programming for residents of these communities. This unique alliance is one of the largest in New York State.
Liz became the deputy director in 2003 where she continued to lead the Recreation Department. Under her leadership the Recreation Department won two awards in 2006, one for the Tin Can Fantasy Factory and another for their outstanding publication materials. During this time, the Rec team was also recognized with an Exceptional Program Award for the Kids Marathon Miles Challenge, the City's Diversity and Inclusion Award for camp inclusion, and a Youth Sports Quality Award under her guidance.

In 2012 Liz became Acting YB Director after the retirement of Allen Green. She remained acting director for two years before becoming the permanent YB Director in 2014.
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During her tenure:

• An IYB Strategic Plan was developed and rolled out
• The Recreation Partnership is as strong as ever
• Cass Park Pool has undergone several repair projects
• YB staff worked as a team to help build the Stewart Park Playground
• A marketing strategy was developed
• Ithaca Bike Rental was established
• A Parks and Recreation Comprehensive Plan was completed
• Ithaca Festival Mile was initiated
• A team of YB staff attended and presented at the NYS Association of Youth Bureaus Conference
• The IYB survived pandemic furloughs and has returned to almost normal operations
• Cass Park Rink was enclosed
• A Diversity Equity and Inclusion Strategic Plan was developed with a DEI Council to facilitate the work
• The YB celebrated its 75th Anniversary

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