Why have you chosen to run for the CPRS State Board of Directors?
I am particularly excited about the role of Secretary/Treasurer for the CPRS State Board of Directors, to function as the recordkeeper and fiscal agent of the Board, and to creatively and thoroughly disseminate information about the Board's work on a statewide level. I believe my organizational skills, conscientiousness and enthusiasm for the field will guide me in this work. I have chosen to run for the CPRS State Board of Directors because I am ready to engage on the statewide level again. In my current role and with support of my agency, I have the capacity to volunteer and look forward to connecting with, and supporting, members and leaders, statewide and beyond.
What personal attributes, skills, or knowledge would you bring to the State Board of Directors if elected?
I am a recreation professional who is grateful for our profession, impressed by all that we continue to accomplish in this field and always striving to learn more and do better. I believe my curiosity and compassion make me an approachable and enthusiastic leader. CPRS has been the single most impactful factor in my career development and I am excited about the idea of serving and helping connect others with their passion. I have over a decade of experience full-time in the field, from youth to seniors and everything in between.
What is the greatest challenge our profession faces and how will you lead to address that challenge?
The greatest challenge our profession faces currently is the multitude of demands on the field. We have demonstrated over the last 5 years that we are capable of so much. We are striving to be more responsive to the diverse array of communities we represent, customers can provide feedback around-the-clock, programs continue to fill and expand, and departments have shifted internally after new hires or retirements. It is more important than ever to consider prioritization of goals, sound financial practices and encourage everyone to examine their own work-life balance.
CPRS is a stabilizing force in all this. We are not alone in our challenges. By facilitating connections with colleagues who are experiencing similar challenges, offering high quality educational sessions, sharing best practices to avoid re-creating the wheel and providing resources to move forward mindfully, we can program places and spaces for all patrons who wish to participate, and with dignity. This starts with engaging the membership and sharing the existing ways they can ask for help, seek out subject matter experts and know that there is a place in CPRS for them to engage. My hope is that CPRS is a first stop for those facing challenges like the ones I outlined. By telling our story, we are communicating lessons learned and developing resources that serve the membership. While I hope to be elected as your Secretary-Treasurer to continue to connect members with resources, and encourage those who haven’t previously sought out leadership or volunteer opportunities to do so, I will continue to either way. Thank you for your time!
Please share relevant leadership experiences outside of your work environment.
I have served in several volunteer capacities for CPRS over the last decade including: District 4 YTRS Co-Chair (2013-2015), Aging Section Presidential Series (2017-2020), Section Representative on the State Board (2020-2022), District 3 Treasurer (2022-2023), JEDI Counsel Member (2023-Present) and CPRS Awards of Excellence Co-Chair, (2023-Present).