Why have you chosen to run for the CPRS State Board of Directors?
I’ve connected with countless CPRS members and leaders throughout the state who are passionate about what we do. We give our time, blood, sweat, and tears to our communities every day and need CPRS so we can connect with other professionals, develop our skills, and inspire us to do the hard work even when it seems daunting.
I share this passion for improving our communities and reaching the people who need us the most. I’ve received the tools, connections, and advice through CPRS to be successful in my career. I want to serve as your CPRS Vice President to guide our CPRS staff, members, and leaders to ensure the next generation of park and recreation professionals have the same resources, support, and connections from CPRS that I and others have received throughout our careers.
I’ve learned so much about CPRS and how important our organization is to our profession. The long-term strategic planning and positioning of CPRS in the future are vital. I have decided to run for CPRS Vice President to focus on the future with strategic planning, maintain our commitment to JEDI, improve member engagement, and give special attention to new professionals and students. I have the passion, energy, and support to guide CPRS into the future.
What personal attributes, skills, or knowledge would you bring to the State Board of Directors if elected?
I bring an incredible passion for our profession, an ability to connect with our members, and a critical thought process to the State Board of Directors. I use my ingenuity, connectedness, and resources to provide our members with opportunities to learn, develop, and thrive. I bring a willingness to try new ideas and a desire to connect our members to the remarkable opportunities and services that CPRS provides.
With four years of experience on the State Board, I possess the knowledge of the State Board’ operations and the role the Board plays to keep CPRS moving forward to support our members. I am dedicated to continue the work with JEDI, focus on our members, and implement the CARD Framework to develop how CPRS can strategically provide for our members now and in the future. I am eager to continue serving our members and strive to develop a personal connection for all our members with CPRS.
What is the greatest challenge our profession faces and how will you lead to address that challenge?
The greatest challenge our profession currently faces is how quickly we can adapt to a changing world. With so many factors affecting our profession such as changing societal norms caused by lingering effects of the pandemic and legislation changing the way we operate, CPRS needs to recognize these changes and respond proactively to provide our members with the information and resources they need to succeed.
I will address this by encouraging members to recognize and share trends they are experiencing. The early recognition and detection of trends can help other members be proactive rather than reactive. In addition, CPRS can utilize reliable data/research, learn from early adopters, and share best practices and vital information to allow our members to successfully address changes affecting our communities. I will strive to advocate for innovation, expand the use of technology and data, develop new operations that best serve our members, and provide opportunities for members to share their successes.
Please share relevant leadership experiences outside of your work environment.
I have been involved with CPRS since 2005 with over ten years in leadership roles on District, Section, and State Boards. My CPRS leadership is highlighted by serving two terms as the State Board Region 1 Representative and as the District 3 Board as President and President-Elect. I currently serve on the Administrators Section Board as the Director of Education, JEDI Counsel, Member Engagement Committee, and the CPRS Conference Program & CEU Committee. Through my leadership and service in CPRS, I strive to continually improve the connections, resources, and development that are necessary for members to succeed every day.
One of my passions is supporting students as future recreation professionals. I am an Advisory Board Member for the Cal State East Bay Hospitality, Recreation, and Tourism Department and regularly attend events to teach, mentor, and support the next generation of recreation professionals. I was honored to receive the Distinguished Service Award in Recreation Management from Cal State East Bay in 2022.
Adam Chow is a Recreation Supervisor for the City of San Ramon, overseeing Art programs and Marketing. He is honored to have spent over twenty years working in the same community he was born and raised in. Adam takes great pride in serving the San Ramon community and providing opportunities for people of all ages to learn, explore, and find their passion.
Adam received his education at Cal State East Bay earning his undergraduate degree in Business Administration with a Marketing emphasis and a master's degree in Public Administration with an emphasis in Public Policy. Adam is a National Park & Recreation Association Certified Park and Recreation Professional (CPRP) and LERN Certified Program Planner (CPP). He also advises the recreation field as a State Board Member for the California Park & Recreation Society and Cal State East Bay Department of Hospitality and Tourism Advisory Board Member.