My practice will have two main areas of specialization: providing value to park and recreation districts in a number of different management and policy related areas: and coaching, teaching, and public speaking in leadership development. This section of my business will be available to governments agencies, non-profit organizations and private business. Leadership development is a universal skill set that must be learned and practiced daily. The principles of leadership development can be… Show more My practice will have two main areas of specialization: providing value to park and recreation districts in a number of different management and policy related areas: and coaching, teaching, and public speaking in leadership development. This section of my business will be available to governments agencies, non-profit organizations and private business. Leadership development is a universal skill set that must be learned and practiced daily. The principles of leadership development can be applied across all industries as in the end they all deal with the same issue - people. My training in leadership development has been a life long pursuit but as of August 2011 I am certified in this area of professional development by the John Maxwell Team. John is the number leadership guru in the world and has assembled the best of the best to help teach and train people in over 40 countries in his new venture. I am pleased to say I am a Founding Member.I invite you to visit my web site at www.growingleadersllc.com Show less

I teach classes in Parks and Recreation Facilities Maintenance, Public Finance and Administration, Parks and Recreation Master Planning, and Leadership Development.

I am part of an elite group of people from across the globe who joined The John Maxwell Team in being the first group to be trained using John's unique leadership principles and style. I am currently certified to teach five different modules:1. Everyone Communicates, Few Connect2. Become a Person of Influence3. How to be a real success4. Leadership Gold5. Put your dreams to the testI will also be offering a new training vignette in early 2012 on "THe 5 Levels of… Show more I am part of an elite group of people from across the globe who joined The John Maxwell Team in being the first group to be trained using John's unique leadership principles and style. I am currently certified to teach five different modules:1. Everyone Communicates, Few Connect2. Become a Person of Influence3. How to be a real success4. Leadership Gold5. Put your dreams to the testI will also be offering a new training vignette in early 2012 on "THe 5 Levels of Leadership"These training program apply to any organization in the market place especially those who are looking to enhance their leadership skills of not only themselves but their staff as well. Show less

Adjunct professor at East Carolina University for the 2012/13 academic year. I taught a variety of classes related to parks, recreation, and leisure services. This included leadership development, marketing, leisure services management, and organizational structures of government and non-profit organizations.

Overall management and administration of a large urban park and recreation department. Duties include working collaboratively with various partners for the delivery of services including, federal, state, and non-profit groups. Thorough understanding of policy development and new business model applications. This is accomplished through:Repositioning the department to insure fiscal resources are addressing the community’s social, economic, and environmental issues.Developing new… Show more Overall management and administration of a large urban park and recreation department. Duties include working collaboratively with various partners for the delivery of services including, federal, state, and non-profit groups. Thorough understanding of policy development and new business model applications. This is accomplished through:Repositioning the department to insure fiscal resources are addressing the community’s social, economic, and environmental issues.Developing new partnerships to increase program offering.Contract negotiation and administration.Community outreach and relationship building.Analytical decision making Show less

Provide effective and contemporary leadership required to reposition the department’s program offerings in the area of park facilities, recreational programs, and golf. This was accomplished by creating a new vision, successful coaching of employees, and effective communications. Major accomplishments included:Developed new marketing and revenue plans for the department in order to create a new business model.Created numerous new partnerships with community agencies in order to meet… Show more Provide effective and contemporary leadership required to reposition the department’s program offerings in the area of park facilities, recreational programs, and golf. This was accomplished by creating a new vision, successful coaching of employees, and effective communications. Major accomplishments included:Developed new marketing and revenue plans for the department in order to create a new business model.Created numerous new partnerships with community agencies in order to meet the recreational needs of more citizens.Maintained fiscal health of the agency while working towards diversifying revenue streamsEstablished a new direction for the department by being a confident, charismatic, and energetic leader.Led the department towards a new era by being an effective change agent. Show less

Created new funding sources for communities in their efforts to preserve natural areas, develop or expand new parks, and create new trails. Conducted public opinion surveys, managed general obligation bond campaigns, park system analysis, park facilities need surveys, and collaborative community planning.Through effective communication techniques and thorough knowledge of governments, increased the amount of funding for land protection, parks, and trails across the southeast and… Show more Created new funding sources for communities in their efforts to preserve natural areas, develop or expand new parks, and create new trails. Conducted public opinion surveys, managed general obligation bond campaigns, park system analysis, park facilities need surveys, and collaborative community planning.Through effective communication techniques and thorough knowledge of governments, increased the amount of funding for land protection, parks, and trails across the southeast and mid-west including bond issuance, grants, and private contributions.Researched and wrote a business application protocol to take conservation finance into a more fee for service business model, thus increasing the revenue stream.Researched and wrote a financial implementation plan and operating costs continuum for the development of the Carolina Thread Trail, a 500 mile trail network in the Charlotte, NC region.Worked collaboratively with multiple stakeholders to establish natural resource priorities through a regional planning initiative recognizing public and private fiscal constraints. Effectively marketed TPL’s mission, brand, and services through coordinated and deliberate actions, thus increasing land conservation in TPL’s service areas. Show less

Managed an award winning urban county parks system that specialized in developing creative partnerships, historic preservation, environmental education, open space preservation, and provided technical assistance and grants to local governments and non-profit organizations.Primary architect of the state’s largest county open space preservation program where watershed protection was the primary objective. Established unique partnerships that blended local, state and federal… Show more Managed an award winning urban county parks system that specialized in developing creative partnerships, historic preservation, environmental education, open space preservation, and provided technical assistance and grants to local governments and non-profit organizations.Primary architect of the state’s largest county open space preservation program where watershed protection was the primary objective. Established unique partnerships that blended local, state and federal governments along with local land trusts for the preservation, conservation and long term multiple use of public lands.Established numerous advisory boards and “friends” groups that provided guidance to staff on parks, recreation, and open space issues including grant administration to local governments and NGO’s. Executed new business protocols by integrating business plans into the overall administration of an individual park, thereby increasing efficiencies, reducing operating costs, and setting priorities.Created an employee succession program, which involved mentoring, coaching, and training opportunities, resulting in a clear career advancement path, thus retaining quality employees and creating an excellent work environment. Founded numerous partnership relations with agencies providing complementary services, thus bringing greater efficiencies to reaching the goals of the delivery of park services. Show less