Why have you chosen to run for the CPRS State Board of Directors?
The opportunity is here, and I know that I can do a great job. I want to learn more, share more and be a stronger advocate for parks and recreation services. I want to support the strategy efforts for CPRS.
What personal attributes, skills, or knowledge would you bring to the State Board of Directors if elected?
I have significant experience in leadership. I currently serve as the Aquatics District Manager for the City of San Diego. I oversee 15 municipal swimming pools and approximately 250 employees are within my chain of command. I've revitalized my workplace culture and improved recruitment and retention. I bring passion and service. I am a maximizer, visionary, activator, achiever and learner. I have a bachelor's degree in Integrated Marketing Communications, a master's degree in Public Administration, and I am a current Doctoral Candidate in Organizational Innovation.
What is the greatest challenge our profession faces and how will you lead to address that challenge?
In my opinion the greatest challenge in our profession is successfully leading change. In the past couple of years especially, we've experienced volatility, uncertainty, complexity and ambiguity. It's a VUCA world and it's hard to anticipate what we are facing next! Change is the only constant. I intend to lead as best as I can with vision, understanding, clarity and agility while focusing on a people-centric culture.
Please share relevant leadership experiences outside of your work environment.
I have demonstrated leadership in the community by serving as the President for the Prevent Drowning Foundation of San Diego 2020-current, CPRS Aquatics Section Rep for Region 5 (2022-current) and District 12 (2017-current), Chair of the Water Competency Workgroup for the California Water Safety Coalition (2022-current), past Chair for Safe Kids San Diego Drowning Prevention Task Force (2016-2020), past board member for the City of San Diego Municipal Employees Association (2019-2023), volunteer mentor for the City of San Diego's Employee Mentor Academy (2023-current), Shelter and Care Director for the San Diego Emergency Operations Center (2020-2021), volunteer Program Manager for the County of San Diego SD SwimSafer Campaign (2022), volunteer instructor for the annual Water Safety Instructor Blowout (2012-current), Past President for the San Diego County Aquatics Council (2018-2021). I've served as a speaker in various arenas including California Aquatic Management School (2021) and State conference (2017). I was awarded by the National Drowning Prevention Alliance as the 2017 West Coast Community Lifesaver.