The City of Fishers has announced Marissa Deckert as the new director of Fishers Parks. Formerly the department’s assistant director, Deckert will take over the department’s day-to-day operations and lead major upcoming initiatives including the opening of Geist Waterfront Park this spring, the Geist Half Marathon in September, and the Summer Concert Series at the Nickel Plate District Amphitheater (NPD AMP).
Deckert
Since joining the Fishers Parks team in 2018, Deckert has helped to spearhead the launch of new parks spaces, including the Fishers AgriPark and Fishers Maker Playground at Hub & Spoke. Deckert led the launch of a new concert series at the NPD AMP in 2022, which featured national acts like The Avett Brothers, Gov’t Mule, and Houndmouth.
“Marissa has been a key contributor to elevating Fishers Parks over the past few years, transitioning the department from a focus on smaller programming to large-scale community events,” Fishers Mayor Scott Fadness said. “Her expertise in event management and experience in the entertainment industry has allowed us to secure major national acts for the NPD AMP stage and take popular community events such as Spark!Fishers and Glow in the Park to the next level.”
During her time at Fishers Parks, Deckert led the charge on training and certifying Fishers Parks as the first sensory inclusive Parks system in Indiana and works closely with the Fishers Advisory Committee on Disability to ensure Parks spaces and programs are accessible to all. She was a guest speaker at the 2019 Indiana Governors Conference on Disability and oversaw the department’s partnership with national accessibility leader Kulture City. Deckert also sits on the Fishers Arts & Culture Commission and worked with the Commission to launch the Art Wall at Brooks School Park.
“I’m so fortunate to have the opportunity to lead the Parks department and continue to work with the amazing City team that makes Fishers so vibrant,” Deckert said. “Our team has an incredibly busy and exciting year ahead of us, and I can’t wait to make a greater impact through community connectedness, our spectacular spaces, and the richness and diversity of events.”
Born and raised in southern California, Deckert moved to Indiana in 2018 after spending three years in the Pacific Northwest. Deckert started her career in recreational programming for youth and later moved into venue management. She spent 10 years with the Anaheim Ducks and oversaw event operations for the Honda Center venue.
In 2015, Deckert accepted a role as Senior Director of Security and Guest Experience for the Rose Quarter Sports and Entertainment district in Portland, Ore. For the next three years she advanced security operations with the Portland Trail Blazers and led efforts to become the first sensory inclusive venue on the West Coast. She has been an integral part of thousands of successful events including presidential campaign rallies; major touring acts; NBA, NHL, WHL games and playoffs; and large community events and festivals. Deckert also hosted the Stanley Cup Finals in 2007 and is proud to have a Stanley Cup championship ring.
Deckert is a Fishers resident, mom of two, and grandmother. She is PTO Board president at HSE Schools and active in the community. In her free time, she enjoys riding bikes with her family along the Nickel Plate Trail, yoga, reading, concerts at the NPD AMP, and spending Saturday mornings at the Fishers Farmers Market.
Learn more about Fishers Parks at playfishers.com.