Two Longtime Public Servants to Retire

BOISE – Following successful careers in public service, Boise Parks and Recreation Director Doug Holloway and Boise Fire Chief Mark Niemeyer are set to retire this fall. Both leaders have enjoyed rewarding experiences serving Boise and the Treasure Valley, making lasting impacts on the community through public safety, access to the outdoors, and efforts to make Boise a city for everyone.

Boise Parks and Recreation Director Doug Holloway

Holloway is set to retire on October 31, 2025 following a more than 20-year career with the City of Boise. He has helped shape the city’s nationally recognized park system, shepherding world-class projects including the J.A. and Kathryn Albertson Family Foundation Boise Whitewater Park, the new Warm Springs Grill + Golf facility, and the expansion of the number of Ribbon of Jewels parks donated to the city along the Boise River Greenbelt.

Holloway was born and raised in Payette, Idaho and started his career at the age of 16 working for the Payette County Recreation District. He later became director of the district.

Holloway then served on the Boise Parks and Recreation Commission from 1994 to 1999, helping develop park master plans and guide department investments. He officially started his career at the City of Boise in 2001 as the Recreation Superintendent and was eventually named director in 2012, setting a standard of excellence and innovation in services.

“Working for the City of Boise and the Parks and Recreation Department has been a dream job since the beginning,” said Holloway. “Our park system and recreation programming are unmatched and I’m especially grateful for the friends and colleagues I’ve worked with and learned from throughout my career. From improving Zoo Boise to growing the Ridge to Rivers Trail System and opening parks in every corner of this city, it has been the honor of my life to serve the residents of Boise.”

Holloway has been a leader in conservation and land preservation, helping to expand the city’s open space reserves and move the needle on Boise’s 10-Minute Walk to a Park initiative. In his time as director, Boise has added approximately 25 park sites, protected more than 2,200 acres of open space, and added countless affordable and accessible offerings to its recreation programming lineup. Over his tenure, the department has also increased the number of scholarships it provides for youth and adult programming from 244 activities in 2001 to more than 20,000 in 2024.

"Doug has served the city with honor and distinction over the course of his career. From growing our recreational opportunities to investing in parks and open space, he's been an exceptional leader. It's been an honor to work alongside him," said Boise Mayor Lauren McLean. “Doug’s fingerprints are visible in every corner of our city, and I am grateful future generations will continue to benefit from his leadership and commitment to a vision of parks, open space, affordable recreational opportunities, and pathway connections for all Boiseans.”

Boise Fire Chief Mark Niemeyer

After more than three decades of dedicated service in fire and emergency services, including the last five years leading the Boise Fire Department, Boise Fire Chief Mark Niemeyer has announced his plan to retire on November 30, 2025.

Throughout his career, Niemeyer has been instrumental in advancing firefighter health and safety, enhancing community response and fostering regional partnerships. Chief Niemeyer began his career in 1993 as a field paramedic. He served as the Fire Chief for the Meridian Fire Department from 2010 to 2020 before being appointed as the Fire Chief for the Boise Fire Department in 2020. ​Beyond Idaho, Chief Niemeyer has contributed to the broader fire service community, currently serving a second term as the Board President of the Western Fire Chiefs Association.

“During my time as the Chief, we’ve made great strides as a department—growing our capabilities, investing in our members, and strengthening our connections with the community,” said Chief Niemeyer. “I’m incredibly proud of what we’ve accomplished together. With a strong leadership team and dedicated staff, I feel confident stepping away to spend more time with my family and whatever comes next.”

“I’ve been truly honored to serve the people of Boise and work alongside the extraordinary men and women of the Boise Fire Department,” he added. “My career has been a blessing in its entirety, and there’s nothing I would have done differently. Getting to serve the final chapter with the City of Boise was icing on the cake. This department and this city will always hold a special place in my heart, and I know the team will continue to protect and serve our mission with integrity, courage and compassion.”

“It has been a true privilege to serve alongside Mark as our Fire Chief,” said Boise Mayor Lauren McLean. “His dedication to the safety and well-being of our community has been unwavering, and his leadership has strengthened the department in countless ways. Mark truly stepped up when called upon to lead and serve during the COVID-19 pandemic, guiding the department and our city through an incredibly challenging time with courage and compassion. While he will certainly be missed, I’m deeply thankful for the passion and expertise he brought to the role. I wish him all the best in his retirement and appreciate his continued support as we prepare for the next chapter.”

Next Steps

The City of Boise is actively recruiting for both roles, with the goal of filling the positions prior to Holloway and Niemeyer’s departure. City of Boise leaders look forward to honoring their legacies of service, leadership and a commitment to excellence throughout the rest of this year.