WESTPORT — A new director has been hired to lead the Parks and Recreation Department, leaving a similar post he held in New Britain for a decade.

Erik Barbieri will officially take on his role in Westport on Feb. 18, filling a post vacant for the last nine months after Jennifer Fava left the job last May.

Barbieri has more than 25 years of experience in parks and recreation management to the town, according to First Selectwoman Jennifer Tooker in a Tuesday release announcing his hiring.

As New Britain’s director of parks, recreation, and community services since 2015, Barbieri managed seven divisions, including the city’s parks, recreation, golf course, cemeteries, senior and veteran services, and disability programs, according to the announcement.

Major project that he supervised included the $10.5 million reconstruction of Osgood Park and $5.4 million rehabilitation of AW Stanley Park. 

His expertise extends to overseeing community-wide events and developing innovative recreation programs, Tooker said.

“We are thrilled to welcome Erik to Westport,” the first selectwoman said in the statement. “His extensive leadership in parks and recreation, combined with his commitment to community engagement and facility excellence, makes him an outstanding choice to lead our Parks and Recreation Department into the future.”

Barbieri is a graduate of the University of Connecticut with a bachelor of science degree in parks and recreation management.

He takes the leadership role for Westport’s Parks and Recreation Department, which not only has been without a director since last spring, but also saw the departure of Parks Supt. Michael West last month.