Salisbury Independent

Gary Mackes, a lifelong employee of the Wicomico Department of Recreation Parks & Tourism, will step down from the post he has held since 1980.

A short, terse news release sent late Friday by County Executive Bob Culver said that Mackes was retiring, effective Dec. 31.

“I am appreciative of the service rendered by Mr. Mackes to the citizens of Wicomico County and wish him well in retirement,” Culver said in the statement.

The release did not contain any comment from Mackes. The Independent attempted unsuccessfully to immediately reach Mackes.

Mackes is the longest serving department head currently with the county. He succeeded Lorne Rickart as director. Mackes was assistant director from 1975-80, handling the recreation segment of the department.

Tourism was added to Mackes’ area of responsibility a decade later.

Mackes is well known for his aggressive professional style and efforts to protect his department. His department has grown considerably over the years; Mackes worked to make the Civic Center into a world-class entertainment complex and was an advocate for countywide recreational opportunities.