After 17 years working for North Whidbey Parks and Recreation, Erika Miller left the district last month.

The parks district aquatics director accepted a position with the YMCA in Walla Walla, where she started work June 27.

Throughout the years, Miller worked with the district off-and-on, managing various programs including lifeguard training, swim lessons and water safety instruction.

Miller is the only professional in the vicinity who is certified to train lifeguard trainers.

The next-nearest person with the necessary certification is in Bellingham, more than 50 miles away.

Losing Miller’s experience was just one of the losses to the parks district, said Executive Director Steve McCaslin, who has worked with the parks district for seven months.

“She’s had a very positive impact,” McCaslin said, adding that he was continually impressed by Miller’s initiative and ability to build and rebuild programs while simultaneously taking on multiple jobs, most notably working as interim executive director prior to McCaslin being hired.

Miller said she is leaving for a few reasons, but mainly because moving off island was always a long-term plan for her and her family.

Miller moved to Whidbey because her husband was based in the Navy here.

Jessica Bliven, who was employed with the district as Miller’s assistant aquatic director, is stepping in to fill Miller’s position.