The City of Vista has appointed Margaret Hamer as its new Recreation & Community Services Director, effective Jan. 5, 2026. Hamer joins Vista from the City of Encinitas, where she has served as Recreation Services Manager since March 2023. Her public service career also includes leadership roles with the cities of Carlsbad and San Clemente.
“Margaret brings 25 years of public service experience and a strong track record of results. The internal and external stakeholder interview panels were extremely supportive of her candidacy, and throughout the process, it was clear that she is deeply committed to Recreation and Community Services. She’s well qualified, dedicated, and driven, and I’m confident she will be a high-performing leader for our community. I’m looking forward to Margaret joining the team at the City of Vista,” City Manager John Conley said.
“It’s an honor to join the City of Vista and support a community that values connection, creativity, and quality of life. Recreation and Community Services shapes how people experience their city, and I’m excited to partner with the talented team to expand opportunities, enrich community programs, and deepen the sense of belonging across Vista,” Margaret Hamer said.
Hamer holds a master’s degree in business administration with a concentration in nonprofit management from American Public University and a bachelor’s degree in economics from the University of California, Irvine. She is a graduate of the Public Management Academy at the Centre for Organizational Effectiveness and received executive coaching certification from the University of California, Berkeley.
As Recreation & Community Services Director, Hamer will oversee recreation and learning programs for adults and youth; cultural arts programming through the Moonlight Amphitheatre and the City’s public art program; aquatic programs through the Wave Waterpark; and services, activities, and nutrition programs for older adults at the McClellan Senior Center. Vista’s Recreation & Community Services Department serves nearly 200,000 residents and visitors each year.
