John Mccarthy Email & Phone Number

Sarasota County, Florida, United States

I am proud to be a part of the team at Marie Selby Botanical Gardens with the mission of "Providing bayfront sanctuaries connecting people with air plants of the world, native nature, and our regional history".

Throughout Florida

This work has included training sessions focused on many aspects of leadership in the parks and recreation field. I have served as coach and presenter for the Joe Abrahams Leadership Academy. I have presented several annual conference sessions and helped develop the FRPA Parks Institute. This work takes me all over the state. My central theme is the essential role that Recreation and Parks play in shaping the future of Florida's communities, and how to re-frame how we communicate the value of recreation and parks.

Sarasota, Florida Area

I was invited to share my natural experiences and historical knowledge with readers of Sarasota's premier monthly magazine. See all of my articles here: https://www.sarasotamagazine.com/producers/john-mccarthy or find the links to individual articles below under publications!

Osprey, Florida

Osprey, Florida

Sarasota, Florida Area

SCOPE is a community building organization that uses community data and community engagement to bring awareness to community issues and inspire citizens, businesses, agencies and organizations to work toward positive community change. Learn more at www.scopesarasota.org.

Sarasota County

This position was responsible for the interim executive leadership of Libraries, Parks and Recreation, Natural Resources, History Center, UF Extension Services and Neighborhood Services during a time of leadership transition within Sarasota County Government. Leadership responsibilities included approximately 268 staff and an operating budget of $43,000,000.

Sarasota County

I used my term as the leader of one of Florida's best parks and recreation departments to demonstrate sustainability, draw attention to heritage as an essential element of community identity and build the economy through eco and sports tourism. Working with such a talented team meant that almost anything was possible from reducing toxic chemicals on athletic fields to relocating and restoring a 100 year old house listed on the National Register (Wilson House at Urfer Family park). Seeing Siesta Beach recognized as No 1 Beach by Dr. Steven Leatherman's (Dr. Beach), attending AIA awards ceremonies where new modern parks facilities were recognized and participating in Les McCurdy's Special O'Laughics for children with developmental disabilities were some of the highlights of my parks and recreation career. Having the opportunity to help the county commission acquire new parks and rehabilitate existing ones was a special privilege.

Sarasota County

This position was responsible for the management of the Natural Area Parks District including six Natural Area Parks, staffed by seventeen employees. District responsibilities included nature-based and historic site park development, operation and recreational programming. Achievements include the design and creation of the district, high quality service delivery, and partnerships with citizen volunteers, community groups and allied agencies.

Sarasota County

This position was responsible for providing environmental and development review for coastal resource protection and coordination of resource monitoring and enhancement projects. Performed permit and development review for coastal construction projects. Developed and coordinated volunteer based resource protection projects. Developed service improvements recognized with Employee of the Month award. In September of 1996 I transferred to the Parks and Recreation Department where I was responsible for providing environmental and nature-based recreational services at the T. Mabry Carlton Jr. Memorial Reserve and other Natural Area Parks. Responsibilities included land management, park development, community outreach and educational programs.

Sarasota County

This position was responsible for the management of the Historical Resources Division. Responsibilities included organization of historical special collections, development of indexing systems and development of finding aids for public use of historic resources. Other responsibilities included the development of museum exhibits and educational programs. Community outreach increased the visibility and value of local history and the collections. This work involved partnerships with citizen volunteers and community groups to provide enhanced customer services.

Sarasota County

This position was responsible for assistance with general operations of the Historical Resources Division. This position followed employment in the same office with similar duties funded by the Comprehensive Employee Training Act (CETA) program beginning in November of 1979.