MPRPD seeking new leadership after former general manager resigned.

At the Monterey Peninsula Regional Park District board’s meeting on Dec. 9, which ended just before 11pm, the announcement out of closed session was that General Manager Rafael Payan, would be put on administrative leave until the next board meeting, scheduled for Jan. 6. 

This came after a public hearing earlier that evening, which Payan requested, in which he and his supporters pleaded his case. The subject of the subsequent closed session discussion was a review of his performance, and potential “discipline, dismissal, or release.”

Administrative services manager Shuran Parker was named interim general manager indefinitely. Per an announcement, “The board has unanimously voted to give notice of intent to terminate the contract of…Payan for performance reasons.” 

But that never happened. Instead, before the board proceeded with that next step, Payan sent an email to Parker on Dec. 18 to announce that he was resigning from his position effective Dec. 31, 2024. 

The Weekly obtained a redacted copy of his resignation letter through a California Public Records Act request. The essence of the email is cordial and clear. Payan offered thanks to the district for “the many opportunities, experiences, and achievements our team made during my time,” adding it’s been “an honor to work with such a dedicated team.” 

Payan wrote that he was “committed to ensuring a smooth transition” and that he would continue to offer assistance during the transition, if needed. He also thanked the district for their support, and wished the agency “continued success.” 

The district’s board will meet tonight, Wednesday, Feb. 5, and among the items to be discussed in closed session will be how to go about finding Payan’s successor. He was hired in 2014, serving the district for a decade.