Experience

This is where I share my extensive professional background in municipal parks and recreation departments. If you want to skip ahead to the tl;dr version, it is here, but the story is so good!

City of Garland  
District 5 Parks Advisory Board Member
Garland, Texas
August 2021 – Present

The Parks and Recreation Board is a citizen advisory board appointed by the Mayor and City Council to provide recommendations to the Council and to establish policies regarding Garland’s parks system and recreation programs. Advised on acquisitions, maintenance, operation and use of parks, playgrounds and open spaces.

KidStrong  
General Manager
Flower Mound, Texas
January 2024 – Present

As the KidStrong General Manager, I lead the charge in creating a fantastic learning environment for both the kids and the amazing coaches we have here. I focus on developing both the coaches and the families who come to our center, making sure everyone has an exceptional experience.

My days are a mix of leading the team, managing schedules and budgets, and of course, delivering those awesome KidStrong classes. I take data of the programs offered in my center and make decisions to move programs around to best suit the needs of my KidStrong families. I also play a big role in training and developing our coaches, and I love building relationships with families through top-notch customer service.

Foro Sports Club
Contracted Strategic Consultant
Dallas, Texas
October 2023 – December 2023


I spearheaded a complete operational overhaul, aligning procedures with cutting-edge trends in recreation for streamlined efficiency and enhanced customer satisfaction. In the first month of new operational programs we saw a 20% growth in revenue in rentals from last November compared to this November. I implemented a reorganization, revising team scopes, boosting morale, collaboration, and productivity all while creating a 7% decrease in monthly salaries. I created a tiered membership program to allow the user to choose the membership that would be appropriate for their current demand. I streamlined marketing for the club and created an easily transferable program to create aggressive marketing campaigns. My story isn’t just about numbers; it’s about strategic adaptation, empowered teams, customer-centric innovation, and marketing mastery.

Rowlett Parks and Recreation Department
Recreation Supervisor
Rowlett, Texas
May 2020 – October 2023

As the overseer of operations at a 55,000 sq. ft community center, I managed a diverse range of amenities, including two full-size basketball courts, two racquetball courts, a 2,500 sq. ft multi-purpose aerobic room, a 3,500 sq. ft fitness center, a 1/17 mile walking track, and 7,800 sq. ft of versatile meeting space that could be partitioned into four multi-purpose rooms. Within this dynamic environment, I took on the role of supervising a team comprising four full-time employees and 22 part-time employees, along with ten contract instructors. My responsibilities extended to diligently monitoring and evaluating the performance of all Recreation Division staff members.

To ensure a high level of quality customer service, I introduced effective tools tailored to meet the needs of our 4,800 active members at the Rowlett Community Centre. My financial acumen came to the forefront as I managed a substantial annual operating budget of $900,000 and efficiently oversaw projects within a $100,000 annual Capital Improvement Project budget.

Building strong community partnerships was another key aspect of my role. I identified and addressed the specific programming needs of our community, ensuring that our facility catered to diverse interests and demands. My commitment to community engagement was further demonstrated through my role as the staff liaison for the Rowlett Youth Advisory Council and as the department liaison for the Rowlett Wellness Committee, where I ensured the active participation of all department employees in the Employee Wellness Program.

Additionally, I was an integral member of our CAPRA accreditation team, contributing to the maintenance of our agency’s accreditation. During challenging times, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, I successfully navigated the closure and reopening of the Rowlett Community Centre. I implemented a strategic sanitation plan to safeguard public health and facilitated a large-scale repair effort following damage sustained during the Winter Storm in February 2021. These experiences have honed my ability to effectively manage and lead in dynamic and unpredictable situations.

Recreation Programmer – Senior Services
Rowlett, Texas
April 2018 – May 2020

In my role I focused on Active Adult and Senior programming at the Rowlett Community Centre, I undertook several key responsibilities. I conducted in-depth research to identify, develop, and implement engaging recreation and leisure events and activities tailored to the specific needs and interests of our Active Adult and Senior participants. While maintaining a strong focus on financial sustainability, I also coordinated various trips and programs, ensuring our Senior members had enriching experiences.

Advocacy was a central aspect of my role as I championed the needs of our senior participants, ensuring their concerns were heard and addressed. Building collaborative relationships with community partners and external agencies was essential to expanding participation and usage of our Senior Programs.

To enhance operational efficiency, I developed detailed spreadsheets to meticulously monitor and track the usage of facility programs and amenities. Managing class schedules and collaborating closely with instructors to ensure seamless execution of classes were also integral parts of my responsibilities.

Additionally, I played a crucial role in disseminating information to our Senior community members by ensuring the timely availability of our monthly Senior Newsletter and Senior Calendar. During periods of staffing shortages, I seamlessly transitioned into facility management and operations activities, demonstrating my versatility and dedication to the organization.

Recreation Programmer – Youth and Adult Programs
Rowlett, Texas
March 2016 – April 2018

In my multifaceted role, I actively contributed to the development and enhancement of recreation and leisure events and activities tailored to a diverse range of age groups. My responsibilities extended to coordinating and supervising staff and volunteers as needed, ensuring the smooth execution of recreation and special events. I played a pivotal role in the financial aspect of our programs by taking charge of budget preparation and diligent monitoring.

Promoting community awareness of our division and citywide events and programs was a priority, and I achieved this through an effective citywide marketing campaigns. My role encompassed planning, coordinating, and supervising both division-specific and citywide recreational programs and special events. I effectively managed contract instructors and organizations, fostering strong partnerships.

Collaborating with the public information department, I actively promoted the department and the city, contributing to its positive image. Special events coordination was another facet of my role, where I oversaw their planning and execution. Additionally, I provided essential support in planning, directing, coordinating, and reviewing the work of my assigned staff, facilitating problem-solving meetings to identify and address challenges. I effectively assigned work activities, projects, and programs, continuously monitoring workflow to ensure efficiency.

In my commitment to excellence, I conducted thorough reviews and evaluations of work products, methods, and procedures, actively working with employees to correct deficiencies and streamline processes. Further demonstrating my managerial expertise, I oversaw contracts for eight independent contractors for fitness and various summer camp programs, while also supervising a team of 12 seasonal summer staff for our camps. My diverse skill set and dedication to enhancing community engagement and program quality were integral to the success of the division’s initiatives.

City of Dallas
Recreation Program Specialist
Dallas, Texas
June 2014 – February 2016

In my role at the Continental Avenue Bridge and West Dallas Gateway, now known as the Ronald Kirk Pedestrian Bridge, I demonstrated a multifaceted approach to program management. I was responsible for the meticulous planning, execution, and evaluation of specialized programs and activities, aligning them with the evolving needs of the community. Additionally, I actively participated in the development of overarching goals and objectives for recreation programs and events, ensuring alignment with our mission.

One of my key responsibilities was the coordination of special events, tailored to address specific community needs. To enhance the success of these events, I proactively sought sponsorships, fostering valuable partnerships. My role also encompassed the selection and procurement of materials essential for recreation programs and events, ensuring smooth operations.

I actively promoted and publicized our programs, crafting marketing materials, including flyers and event schedules. My supervisory skills came to the forefront as I trained, supervised, and evaluated assigned staff, fostering a dynamic and cohesive team.

Moreover, program administration was a central part of my role, where I ensured the seamless execution of all aspects of our initiatives. My commitment to community engagement was evident through my interactions with community groups and members of the public. These interactions not only kept our programs responsive to community needs but also built strong community support and loyalty for the Continental Avenue Bridge and West Dallas Gateway, contributing to the success and sustainability of our initiatives.

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