Recreation director moves on to Orange

Newport Beach recreation and senior services director Marie Knight, who also headed the centennial celebration, has accepted a position with the city of Orange and will be leaving her Newport job in September, officials said this week.

“It was a very difficult decision to make, but I live in Orange, so an opportunity to work three minutes from home and be at home more with my kids was hard to pass up,” Knight said.

Knight has been with the city four years and is the first to hold her position. Recreation and senior services previously were combined with the library director’s job. Knight’s new job will be director of community services for Orange.

Newport Beach City Manager Homer Bludau said he may bring in a retired department head to fill Knight’s spot while a permanent employee is recruited.