Northampton Senior Services director Kim Park to leave post for photography career
Park departs after four years to launch a photography business while serving local small businesses.
NORTHAMPTON — Kim Park, director of the city's Senior Services, will leave her role on August 21 to launch a full-time photography business.
Park held the position for four years, having joined the Senior Center team in July 2022 as it reopened after pandemic-related modifications. She said her passion for photography grew over her tenure and led her to make what she called a difficult decision to pursue a new career path.
"Although I love being a part of the Senior Center, my passion for photography has grown over the years," Park said in an interview. "I have met many incredible people through the past four years, and I am thankful for the relationships I have built here. Those connections are what I will miss most."
Park worked with older adults throughout her career in settings including long-term care and assisted living. She also served as an operations manager for a technology company providing communication solutions to retirement communities, a role that allowed her to travel along the East Coast.
Mayor Gina-Louise Sciarra, who appointed Park as one of her first department heads, praised her work. "She is calm, empathetic, and a genuinely good listener," Sciarra said. "Those qualities matter enormously in a department that serves people directly, every day."
Sciarra added that Park's temperament and care had transformed the Senior Center into a welcoming community space for older adults.
Park plans to serve local and regional small businesses as a visual content partner, providing strategic photography and marketing materials to help grow their brands and engage customers. The work will keep her rooted in Northampton and surrounding communities.
The city will post the Senior Services Director position on its website and anticipates filling the role as soon as possible.