What personal attributes, skills, or knowledge would you bring to the State Board of Directors if elected?
I am interested in continuing my involvement with CPRS to strengthen the future of recreation both locally and across the State. My professional recreation experience spans various fields, including aquatics, senior services, special events and youth services. I have had the opportunity to learn from some of the best CPRS leaders, and I will welcome the opportunity to give back to my fellow professionals. Being able to serve on the Recreation Section Board was one of the best opportunities I’ve had in my professional career. Advocacy is imperative for the survival of our profession. We know our work is essential, but it takes strong leaders stepping forward to advocate consistently in order to sustain that message and give back. If elected as a Section Representative, I will continue to facilitate the implementation of statewide initiatives. I look forward to fostering innovative ideas as a member of the State Board while simultaneously growing into a stronger, more developed leader.
Why have you chosen to run for the CPRS State Board of Directors?
I have gained priceless experiences through having mentors in Recreation and executing events and programs for the past 21 years in the public, non-profit and private sectors.
My current Parks and Recreation Director describes me as a trusted partner who consistently embodies the department's mission of enhancing the quality of life for the community by envisioning, carefully planning and then successfully implementing creative, inclusive, and fiscally prudent programs and events for our patrons, while also serving as a dedicated, patient, fair leader of our team and an enthusiastic mentor to the newer staff (and, even though it's not in my job description, I'm the go to tech support person for our office). I realize that is a loaded sentence, and working in Parks and Recreation is a loaded job! We have to be as prepared as possible and still remain ready for anything. These skills will be essential when I am elected to the State Board of Directors.
I continue to see myself as both a mentor and mentee, with the ability to give and receive coaching and advice. Throughout my career in recreation, I have created opportunities for staff to grow and develop their own skills. Witnessing their evolution in the profession has been personally rewarding. I believe their professional development showcases my ability to lead and inspire. Further, I am equally grateful to my own mentors for their much-needed guidance and advice throughout my professional journey. My willingness to learn and try new things is my strongest attribute, and this stems from my passion for our field.
What is the greatest challenge our profession faces and how will you lead to address that challenge?
I believe our greatest challenge is the development of the next generation of recreation professionals. I continue to see the new generation as less engaged, and I feel compelled to bridge that gap and initiate more substantial succession planning efforts. My goal is to raise awareness with both agency members and non-members, advocate for the importance of CPRS and exemplify why it is so important to pay it forward. I feel strongly that engagement, advocacy, and succession planning are critical to the ongoing success of our profession. We all know that Parks and Recreation departments not only add value to our communities, but they are vital for the physical and mental wellness of our future communities. We must lay a strong foundation now to inspire the next generation. We can then confidently pass the torch, knowing that the future of Recreation is in capable and prepared hands, and that the work to care for our local communities will continue.