McFall Replaces Agonia as Director of City’s Parks

Glendale’s superintendent of parks has been named director of the city’s Parks and Recreation Division, replacing Henry R. Agonia, who became state director of parks this week.

City Manager James M. Rez this week selected Robert K. McFall, 34, to manage the city department, which oversees more than 3,000 acres at 28 sites and an annual operating budget of $9 million. The city’s recreation program gained statewide prominence when Gov. George Deukmejian named Agonia to the state position March 24.

Rez said he will ask Glendale City Council to confirm McFall’s appointment Tuesday.

McFall has been with the parks division 12 years, serving as parks superintendent for the last 10 years. He holds a degree in parks administration from California State Polytechnic University, Pomona.

Rez also is recommending that City Council appoint Nello Iacono, recreation superintendent since 1977, to the newly created position of assistant director. Iacono is a sociology graduate of California State University, Dominguez Hills and worked with recreation departments in Los Angeles and Carson before joining Glendale’s.

McFall and Iacono previously shared equal levels of responsibility within the department. “This city was especially fortunate to have two people who are highly qualified employees capable of stepping into this responsible position, and the selection of one was a difficult task,” Rez said.