What personal attributes, skills, or knowledge would you bring to the State Board of Directors if elected?
I seek to work with an effective and passionate team of professionals who continue to propel the industry into the future through innovative collaborations, strategic planning and intentional execution. The State Board effectively advocates for the profession and has the ability to make impactful change for recreation and park professionals, something that Danielle is passionate about. Serving in the position, I hope to engage a broad audience of young professionals and promote industry sustainability.
What is the greatest challenge our profession faces and how will you lead to address that challenge?
Recreation and park professionals encounter a variety of challenges, but one I am most passionate about is industry sustainability. While the recent pandemic highlighted the need for parks and services, the profession is still challenged daily with regard to long term survival. Universities that once promoted public recreation have turned to promoting tourism and hotel management, which are traditionally run by private enterprise and do not typically promote public service positions. Laws like AB5, which were not intended for leisure services, have caused agencies to restructure their program offerings. Increased minimum wage requirements and reduced work force have caused many agencies to limit their offerings or raise prices that no longer allow for equitable access. As a member of the State Board I hope to help identify industry threats, promote legislative action that supports the field and work with agencies to advocate at a local level.