Marcus Coates serves as the Deputy Director of Recreation Services. He’s a seasoned public sector veteran with over 10+ years of leadership, personnel management, resource management, administrative operations, and community development experience.
 
He began his career in the private sector, where he worked in the communications department for the Washington Teachers Union. Since 2012, he has served in several roles at DPR, including Recreation Specialist - implementing programs, activities, and events for community-based facilities; Site Manager – responsible for the formulation of facility program offerings and ensuring operational efficiency across multiple facilities; Chief of Community Recreation Division - supervised the work of team members across nearly 70 facilities while providing expert direction and guidance to ensure information systems are developed, deployed, implemented, and supported in a manner consistent with the Districts’ policies; and Chief of Community Programs Division where he was responsible for developing and improving the quality of the organization’s various program areas while ensuring programs meet regulatory and legal requirements, and internal policies are enforced.
 
Born and raised in Washington, DC, a third-generation Washingtonian and a DC Public School graduate, Marcus profoundly loves the city’s rich culture and a passion for supporting its residents. As a current Ward 8 resident, Marcus utilizes the park systems with his family, enjoys DC's nightlife, and mentors youth in his spare time.
 
He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from Winston Salem State University and a Master of Science degree in Public Administration from the University of the District of Columbia. Marcus is also an alumnus of the George Washington Center for Excellence in Public Leadership (GW CEPL) "Executive Leadership Program" through the DC Government's Center of Learning and Development.