Familiar face returns to Cathedral City to work as events coordinator

CATHEDRAL CITY — Chris Parman, a respected and beloved former city employee, returned to City Hall on Monday, Jan. 9 as events coordinator in the Communications and Events Department — at least in the short term.

Parman worked as both communications and events manager for the city since 2014, before resigning on May 31, 2022, to travel and to help run his husband’s, Joel Kinnamon, campaign for representative for Area 4 on the College of the Desert Board of Trustees. Kinnamon emerged successful.

Ryan Hunt, Communications & Events Manager, who began Aug. 22, will continue to oversee the department in this, the second-largest community in the Coachella Valley.

“Now that the amphitheater is completed, Chris will help us continue to book the venue year-round and will assist as needed with marketing and communications,” Hunt told Uken Report

This position will eventually be permanent, but Parman will assist through the season to help transition to the new full-time employee, Hunt said.

“When I came here in August, Chris welcomed me with open arms, and we quickly developed an extremely positive working relationship,” Hunt said. “He’s the first and only person to serve in this role before me and he’s been invaluable when it comes to being supportive and helping me gain knowledge in the new position, particularly on the events side. We both bring a lot of expertise to the table, and I look forward to partnering with him to build on Cathedral City’s momentum and take us to new heights as a popular destination within the Coachella Valley.”

City Manager Charlie McClendon hired Parman at $56.61 per hour.

When this position becomes full-time, the job will be posted, and the city will proceed with a full recruitment plan.

“I couldn’t be more excited to have Chris on board,” Hunt said.

Just call them the dynamic duo.

Image Sources

  • Chris Parman and Ryan Hunt: Ryan Hunt