The Parks and Recreation Department started in August 2000 when Gary Mills was hired as the first director. Under Mills’ direction, the Parks and Recreation department has grown from a staff of two full-time employees to seven full-time and 20 part-time employees. Mills and his staff manage five parks, maintain over 40 parcels of city-owned property, oversee the Kannapolis Cemetery as well as the city's beautification projects. They also host programs for families and children, athletic leagues and the award winning annual summer concert series in Village Park. Mills also oversees the development of parks and recreation and park improvements.

Mills has been in the Parks and Recreation profession for over 15 years. He has a Bachelor of Science in Recreation Resources Administration and a Masters Degree in Parks, Recreation and Tourism Management both from N.C. State University. He is a graduate of the National School of Sports Management and the National Parks and Recreation Maintenance Management School, and is a Nationally Certified Parks and Recreation Professional (CPRP). Mills also is a Nationally Certified Playground Safety Inspector (CPSI).

Mills was awarded the North Carolina Recreation and Park Association (NCRPA) Outstanding Young Professional of the Year Award in 1999 and the NCRPS Region VII Award for Outstanding Dedication and Accomplishments. He has served in numerous leadership positions with NCRPA, including the Municipal Division Chair, Chair-Elect, Vice-chair and Secretary/Treasurer. He is currently on the NCRPA Board of Directors serving as a National Recreation and Parks Association (NRPA) Southern Regional Representative for the State of NC and as a Board Member on the NRPA Southern Regional Council. He is a member of the North Carolina Turfgrass Council and the USTA. He also represented the City of Kannapolis on the Cabarrus Arts Council Board of Directors for three years and currently serves as the president of his homeowners association.

Mills considers the goal of his department “to provide residents of all ages and abilities positive experiences through a variety of quality activities, facilities and services under the direction of professional and dedicated staff that are responsive to the changing needs of the community."

Mills is married with two children.