Carolyn F. McKnight Fredd, Retired Superintendent
Recreation and Park Commission for the Parish of East Baton Rouge
Carolyn F. McKnight is a native of Montgomery, Alabama. She earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Alabama State University and a Master of Science degree in Education Administration from Texas Christian University.
She served as the BREC Superintendent (CEO) from January 2012 until retiring in January 2019. Prior to leading BREC, she served over 27 years with
the City of Dallas and Park and Recreation Department.
. Her responsibilities in the Dallas Park and Recreation Department included managing the department’s $55 million dollar operating budget, implementing the long-range strategic plan, directing the policies of the Park Board, 23 community recreation centers, 22 community swimming pools, nearly 200 neighborhood parks, six 18-hole golf courses, five tennis centers, a gun range, two dog and skate parks, playgrounds, 10 lakes and numerous other park amenities. She managed a full-time workforce of 280 employees and over 300 part-time and seasonal staff.
Carolyn served her nation and the state of Texas in the United States Air Force and the Texas Air National Guard for a total of 29 years. In 2001, she was appointed as the 136th Mission Support Group Commander and in 2002 was promoted to the rank of Colonel where she directed and led 450 troops. Prior to retiring from the National Guard in 2006, she was responsible for leading numerous deployments following the terrorist attack of September 11th in Afghanistan and Iraq. She also directed the Texas Military Task Force in response to aiding evacuees from the devastating disaster of hurricanes Katrina and Rita.
Carolyn is married to John A. Fredd from Phoenix, Arizona. She is the mother of two sons and grandmother of six wonderful grandchildren, who all reside in Dallas / Fort Worth Metroplex, Texas. [updated 5-2023]