2023 CPRA Annual Conference Sessions

Welcome & Opening Keynote - Wednesday - 8am-10am

Location

Wednesday Breakout Round 1 - 10:15am-11:30am

Location

Speakers

• Tom Schaefer - Technical Director
  Tom Schaefer is the Technical Sales Director of Clear Comfort and brings over 20 years of experience in the commercial pool treatment industry. Prior to Clear Comfort, he promoted medium pressure U.V. As an accomplished speaker appearing often at aquatic industry and environmental health events, Tom is an expert in water sanitation technologies and resource efficiency. Aquatic industry events where Tom has presented include the National Environmental Health Association Conference, AOAP Annual Conference, WAHC, World Waterpark Association Show, Texas Public Pool Council Conference, NRPA Annual Conference, National Aquatic Safety Council, International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions Expo and more.

Wednesday Breakout Round 1 - 10:15am-11:30am

Location

Speakers

• Tracy Graf - Team & Leadership Communications Trainer & Speaker
  Tracy Graf is a Team and Leadership communications trainer with 20 years of management experience in learning and development, marketing, and public relations roles with prominent international corporations. She led teams of professionals to increase profitability for over 25 prestigious international brands in her positions with Vail Resorts, Life Time Fitness, Disney on Ice, and Ruder Finn Public Relations.
• Tracy Stayton - Leadership & Development Consultant & Coach
  Tracy Stayton is a dynamic, driven management professional with over 20 years of municipal government experience and a proven track record of motivating teams and maximizing results. From southeastern Wisconsin to southern California, Tracy has overseen a variety of public facilities such as water parks, community centers, athletic fields, and historic properties, including some that were cost-recovery. Oversight includes budgeting, staffing, programming, and maintenance. In addition to her service in municipal government, Tracy’s unique experience includes marketing and event management for the NBA, Disney on Ice, and Broadway, facilitating communication courses at companies such as Oracle and Texas Instruments, and being invited to speak at the California Women’s Conference and Google New York. Tracy earned a Bachelor’s degree in Interpersonal/Organizational Communication and a Master’s degree in Communication. She is an International Coaching Federation (ICF) accredited coach, having earned her certificate through The Institute for Professional Excellence in Coaching (iPEC). She is a Certified Park & Recreation Professional (CPRP) and the most recent past-President of the California Parks & Recreation Society (CPRS) District 12. A creative problem solver who thrives in fast paced environments, Tracy successfully handles multiple projects with sustained focus and cross-departmental/stakeholder collaboration. Combining her experiences and credentials, Tracy works in partnership with individuals and teams to achieve outcomes that are measurable and sustainable.

Wednesday Breakout Round 1 - 10:15am-11:30am

Location

Speakers

• Jacob Goodman - Team Lead - Energy Modeling and Field Services - Bowman Consulting Group
  Jacob Goodman has over 12 years of experience as a consulting engineer focused on energy auditing and energy modeling for new construction and renovation projects. He has provided analysis and support for energy code compliance, utility incentive maximization, design level cost/benefit analysis, sustainability rating system compliance and energy audits.
• Peter Failla - Principal HVAC Engineer - The Ballard Group
  Peter Failla serves as Principal-In-Charge of Mechanical Engineering, Project Manager & Lead HVAC Engineer. He has been with The Ballard Group, Inc. since 2006 and has 17 years of engineering experience. Peter is a licensed Professional Engineer and a LEED Accredited.
• Robert (Bob) McDonald - Interiors and Aquatics CEO/Senior Principal - OLC Architecture
  Bob is OLC’s Chief Executive Officer and oversees OLC’s Sports, Recreation and Medical Wellness Design efforts. His extraordinary work ethic and calm demeanor support the firm’s strength and stability to operate like a well-oiled machine. Some of Bob’s notable projects include his first design commission, a flagship recreation center in his hometown of Laramie, Wyoming; and the Estes Valley Community Center nestled at the base of Rocky Mountain National Park in Estes Park, Colorado. He is also an accomplished public speaker, both as a focus group facilitator and as an industry thought leader at national conferences for various Parks and Recreation Associations, the Athletic Business Magazine, and the Medical Fitness Association (MFA). Bob’s expertise extends beyond design, detailing and project management to include facility impact studies, assessments, up front programming and aid in operations pro-forma development. As a LEED® Accredited Professional, Bob works with clients to develop and implement their desired sustainability plan for the project, utilizing LEED® checklists, state guidelines and individually developed project goals.

Wednesday Breakout Round 1 - 10:15am-11:30am

Location

Speakers

• Michelle Lynn - Sales Executive - Vortex Aquatic Structures International
  Michelle joined Vortex Aquatic Structures in early 2017. She brings over 25 years of consultative selling experience in a variety of industries, including high-end hotels, country clubs, catering and food processing. Michelle’s background in the hospitality industry in particular has cultivated her high standards for customer service and client satisfaction, which she brings to the table with her Vortex customers and partners each and every day. She has quickly established her knowledge and expertise of the aquatic play market, and is regularly called upon to deliver accredited presentations on Designing Sustainable Splashpads.

Wednesday Breakout Round 1 - 10:15am-11:30am

Location

Speakers

• Jo Burns - Chief Connection & Collaboration Officer - Jo Burns Connects, LLC
  Jo Burns (CTRS) is known for her work bringing together professionals from parks, recreation, public health and built environment. She is the co-founder of the Colorado Public Health/Parks & Recreation Collaborative. Jo is a skillful connector with experience in community, camp, professional association and higher ed parks & recreation settings. With numerous public speaking engagements, and critically acclaimed workshops, Jo is a recognized expert in parks and public health arenas. She really enjoys bringing people together to cultivate health in our organizations and communities.

Wednesday Breakout Round 1 - 10:15am-11:30am

Location

Speakers

• Shanna Farley - Marketing Coordinator - City of Aurora
  Shanna is from Colorado and has a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Marketing from the University of Northern Colorado. She’s held positions with Downtown Development of Greeley, Northern Colorado Credit Union and Fitzsimons Credit Union. Her interests include baking, yoga, paddleboarding, traveling and exploring the wonders that her state has to offer. She is also a lover of history and is currently serving on the Aurora History Museum’s Board of Directors.

Wednesday Breakout Round 2 - 1:30pm-2:45pm

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Speakers

• Jamie Benallo - Architect & Senior Associate - Populous Architects
  Jamie joins the Populous team with more than 15 years of architectural design experience, 12 of which have been devoted to Sports, Recreation, and Entertainment facilities. Her reputation is one of creating collaborative teams between Recreation Department clients and Contractors, which yield successful, award winning buildings and long-lasting working relationships. She regularly participates in national industry conferences to learn from industry partners and discuss cutting-edge trends in the marketplace; insight that is ultimately be applied to her work.
• Jim Cleveland - Recreation Consultant - Populous Architects
  Coming from a municipal background with nearly 4 decades of work devoted to Parks and Recreation, Jim brings a unique perspective to the Populous team. His entrepreneurial approach and extensive knowledge of local government operations lead to his role as Deputy Town Administer for the Town of Parker between 2017 and his retirement in 2021. His focus now is sharing his insight to promote thought leadership and innovation. He lends his expertise for facility operations, financial sustainability, public policy, and creative design to foster a continued tradition of designing award-winning facilities and excellent programming opportunities for communities those facilities serve.

Wednesday Breakout Round 2 - 1:30pm-2:45pm

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Speakers

• Ally Flanagan - Human Resources Manager - Carbon Valley Parks and Recreation District
  I am a passionate professional who transitioned from the restaurant industry to the Parks and Recreation field after completing my Masters degree in Human Resources with an emphasis in Leadership Training and Development. With a deep commitment to internal employee success, I bring a unique blend of expertise and enthusiasm to my role. Throughout my academic journey, I gained a comprehensive understanding of effective leadership practices, talent management, and employee development strategies. I made a purposeful transition to the Parks and Recreation field to apply my skills and passion in a sector that promotes community well-being and engagement. As a change agent in Parks and Recreation, I am dedicated to elevating the potential of internal talent within organizations. I firmly believe that by providing employees with the necessary support, resources, and development opportunities, they can thrive both professionally and personally. My goal is to implement innovative strategies that foster a culture of growth, engagement, and internal mobility. Drawing from my experience in the restaurant industry, I understand the value of teamwork, effective communication, and employee empowerment. I am committed to bringing these principles to the Parks and Recreation field, making internal employee success a cornerstone of the industry
• Dean Rummel - Executive Director - Carbon Valley Parks and Recreation District
  With twenty years of experience in parks and recreation, I have been able to learn from some of the best in the profession and also from some of the not so great. Like many life experiences, unfortunately learning what not to do seems to come easier than what to do. With a selfless mindset, and a drive to be a servant leader, it comes naturally to put staff and the communities needs as top priorities. Success is directly driven by organization culture and staff engagement so spending a lot of time in a leadership role focused on those two priorities is where many “wins” have come from. I believe in leading by example with pride through morals and values. You don’t have to be the most talented in the room, just need to understand how to utilize all the individual strengths to build one heck of a powerful unit.”
• Whitney Wilmes - Guest Service Coordinator - Carbon Valley Parks and Recreation District
  Whitney Wilmes, CPRP (she/her) Born and raised in Bloomington, Illinois the only job I ever had growing up was Lifeguarding and managing pools. I developed a passion for taking care of people and providing programs to improve the community’s quality of life. I looked into Recreation Programs at different universities and landed on Eastern Illinois University Accredited program. I graduated with a Recreation Administration degree with a minor in Community Health. A few years after graduation I moved to Colorado where there were more recreational opportunities than central Illinois. I was lucky enough to be hired by the City of Westminster and worked in Aquatics. After 10 years I decided that I wanted to learn more about Facility Operations. I then came on board with the City of Loveland as their Operations Coordinator. After 6 years with Loveland I was ready to look into working closer to home and in the community I lived in. In 2022 I began working for the Carbon Valley Parks and Recreation District as their Guest Services Coordinator. I consider myself a highly motivated performer with a consistent record of success. Bringing over 20 years of supervisory experience and conflict resolution skills. A proven leader with innovative approaches to teamwork. Very experienced in planning, hiring, training, and safety practices and a strong background in customer service and human relations. In my spare time I enjoy spending time with my husband and our 2 daughters who are 8 and 5. Being closer to home, I am able to watch my children participate in their recreational activities!

Wednesday Breakout Round 2 - 1:30pm-2:45pm

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Speakers

• Hillary Roemersberger - Director of Recreation Services - Apex Park and Recreation District
  Hillary Roemersberger has worked in Parks and Recreation for 16 years. She currently works as the Director of Recreation Services with Apex Park and Recreation District located in Arvada, CO. In her role she is responsible for the oversight of Fitness and Wellness, Licensed programs, and Aquatics as well as multiple recreation centers. Hillary holds a BS in Health and Exercise Science, a Masters in Recreation, Sport, and Tourism, and is a Certified Parks and Recreation Professional.
• Maggie Sherill - Aquatics Coordinator – Apex Park and Recreation District
  Maggie Sherill has worked in Aquatics for the past 6 years beginning her career with Apex Park and Recreation District as a lifeguard. Throughout her time with District, she has been promoted from part-time to full-time and has worked in various capacities including Head Lifeguard, Generalist, and Recreation Coordinator. In addition to working full-time, Maggie is pursuing her bachelor’s degree. In her role with Apex, she oversees lifeguard training and part-time professional development including a new mentorship program that assists with guard retention.
• Tyler Daly - Recreation Coordinator - Aquatics - Apex Park and Recreation District
  Tyler Daly began his career working for the City of Leesburg in Florida for eight years in aquatics and youth programming. After graduating college from the University of Central Florida with a bachelor's degree in Sport and Exercise Science, he moved on to work in aquatics for Universal’s Volcano Bay and the City of Oviedo until moving to Colorado in 2021. Since moving to Colorado, he has worked for Apex Park and Recreation District. At the end of 2021, he was promoted to Recreation Coordinator to oversee the swim lesson program and aquatic events. Since then, he has grown the program to have 40+ certified instructors and 500+ swimmers per month.

Wednesday Breakout Round 2 - 1:30pm-2:45pm

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Speakers

• Brian Pille - StudioCPG
  Brian Pille, PLA, offers over 20 years of site design and construction experience. As a Senior Project Manager, Brian applies critical knowledge of natural systems and site inventory/analysis to the design of park and open space improvements to create safe, accessible, inviting, and exciting spaces for play and recreation. Currently employed by StudioCPG in Denver, Brian’s experience includes large scale regional master plans and campus design, open space and regional trail connectivity, community and neighborhood parks, streetscapes and most recently, park system inventory and assessments. Under on-call contracts for municipalities and public agencies throughout Colorado, Brian has been at the forefront of experiential play design and collaborated on playground design for all ages and ability levels, including regional park destination playgrounds, neighborhood playgrounds that include accessible, age-appropriate equipment, nature play, shade, seating, and supporting hardscapes.
• Rich Merrill - Project Manager - Facility Engineering Associates
  Rich Merrill, PE, FMP, is a Project Manager at FEA. His primary areas of expertise include building and site assessments, facility management organizational assessments, data analysis, capital planning, and project execution. Rich supports clients with improved asset management strategies. Prior to FEA Rich was the General Services Division Administrator for the state of Wyoming, the Wyoming Military Department, and served as a city engineer. Rich’s unique experience as a public employee for over 20 years for both municipal and state government provides real-world insight into client’s asset management needs. Combined with Rich’s consulting experience he has supported public sector clients for over the last 30 years. Rich’s management of assets has included millions of square feet of Wyoming buildings and sites, Wyoming’s fleet of vehicles, and the municipal infrastructure for the City’s of Elko, Nevada and Laramie, Wyoming. Through involvement of conceptual planning to final acceptance and asset disposal Rich was essential in the development asset management life cycle requirements. Recently, Rich was integral in the development of the parks and site condition assessment standards, data collection and analysis, and interpretation for capital planning for the City of Raleigh North Carolina, and the City of Louisville, CO. Rich is a committee chair for the National Association of State Facilities Administrators (NASFA) and a member of the national Certification Advisor Commission for the Northwest Energy Efficiency Council. Rich continues to provide clients with informative and collaborative data-based solutions.

Wednesday Breakout Round 2 - 1:30pm-2:45pm

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Speakers

• Mira Theisen - Senior Project Manager, Senior Associate - Perkins&Will
  Mira is a licensed architect with a 28-year portfolio dedicated to crafting spaces that transcend conventional wellness boundaries and cater to diverse needs. Her work is guided by a commitment to sustainability, healthy living environments, and system optimization. She excels in designing facilities that holistically address health and wellness challenges while pioneering innovative approaches that promote imaginative thinking in recreation center planning and design.
• Miranda Dooley - Interior Project Designer - Perkins&Will
  Miranda is an accomplished Interior Project Designer driven by a deep commitment to crafting spaces that both enrich and serve communities. With an extensive background in recreation-focused design, she blends her creative talents with a profound insight into the unique requirements of diverse communities. Her designs transcend aesthetics, enhancing the well-being and sense of belonging within these communal spaces.

Wednesday Breakout Round 2 - 1:30pm-2:45pm

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Speakers

• Bryan Gentilini - Recreation Manager - Facility Operations - Town of Parker
  Bryan Gentilini, NREMT, CPRP, AqP has been with the Town of Parker for 5 years. 3 as the Aquatics Supervisor, and 2 as the Facility Operations Manager, where he oversees the Facilities, Memberships, Day Camp and Aquatics Divisions. Bryan has been in Parks & Recreation for 15 years, primarily in Aquatics, where he has operated a variety of indoor and outdoor aquatics facilities of all sizes. Bryan specializes in process improvement and emergency preparations and response.

Wednesday Breakout Round 3 - 3:15pm-4:30pm

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Speakers

• Jenna Katsaros - Facility Performance Advisor, BRS
  Jenna Katsaros – An accomplished Park and Recreation professional, Jenna joined BRS after working in Aurora, Colorado for over 15 years. As Facility Performance Advisor, she takes on the difficult task of finding the balance between community desires and the realities of the project constraints. Her planning, public engagement, and operational analysis expertise help recreation professionals optimize facility participation, utilization, and cost recovery goals. Jenna also conducts extensive research on recreation facilities across the country.
• Kent Fawcett - Project Manager - BRS
  Kent Fawcett - A design leader with expertise in building technology, project leadership, and the execution of complex projects spanning 20 years. Throughout his career, Kent has sought to be a force for change in helping teams come together to overcome their own biases, with the notion that successful project outcomes are heavily dependent on building trusting relationships, respect for all people, and the idea that sometimes the best solutions come from the least expected places.
• Zach Bisek - Partner - BRS
  Zach is an architect and QA Leader for the firm. As an experienced Principal, Zach has led feasibility studies, managed projects, assembled documents, coordinated consultants, and kept the design intent in mind. Zach’s experience varies in scope and scale, with an emphasis on community-focused projects. He understands how to balance a community’s needs with the effort it takes to make a project successful. In his role as Operations Partner, Zach researches, manages, and advances firm tools, services, quality assurance, and operational strategies to deliver projects successfully to clients of all types.

Wednesday Breakout Round 3 - 3:15pm-4:30pm

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Speakers

• Tracy Stayton - Leadership & Development Consultant & Coach
  Tracy Stayton is a dynamic, driven management professional with over 20 years of municipal government experience and a proven track record of motivating teams and maximizing results. From southeastern Wisconsin to southern California, Tracy has overseen a variety of public facilities such as water parks, community centers, athletic fields, and historic properties, including some that were cost-recovery. Oversight includes budgeting, staffing, programming, and maintenance. In addition to her service in municipal government, Tracy’s unique experience includes marketing and event management for the NBA, Disney on Ice, and Broadway, facilitating communication courses at companies such as Oracle and Texas Instruments, and being invited to speak at the California Women’s Conference and Google New York. Tracy earned a Bachelor’s degree in Interpersonal/Organizational Communication and a Master’s degree in Communication. She is an International Coaching Federation (ICF) accredited coach, having earned her certificate through The Institute for Professional Excellence in Coaching (iPEC). She is a Certified Park & Recreation Professional (CPRP) and the most recent past-President of the California Parks & Recreation Society (CPRS) District 12. A creative problem solver who thrives in fast paced environments, Tracy successfully handles multiple projects with sustained focus and cross-departmental/stakeholder collaboration. Combining her experiences and credentials, Tracy works in partnership with individuals and teams to achieve outcomes that are measurable and sustainable.

Wednesday Breakout Round 3 - 3:15pm-4:30pm

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Speakers

• Ashley White - Community Habitats Manager- Butterfly Pavilion
  Ms. White is a lead advocate for the Butterfly Pavilion's Ecology Services team. In her role she is a direct liaison to public agencies, real estate developers, and community managers helping to identify and maintain pollinator habitats. Ms. White has a wealth of experience and knowledge related native habitats and flora that support pollinators and best practices for maintenance of these habitats.
• Matt Small - Director of Landscape Architecture - RVi Planning + Landscape Architecture
  As a landscape architect, Matt has over 20 years of experience combining sustainable design, emerging technology and creative solutions for a wide range of projects including commercial, residential, mixed-use, and hospitality. He helps clients maximize the potential of their projects by designing places focused on experiential solutions while incorporating sustainable and resilient strategies that align with their goals.
• Nicoletta Garda - Senior Landscape Architect - RVi PlanningLandscape Architecture
  Nicoletta has 5 years of experience providing sustainable design solutions for a variety of project types including parks, recreation facilities, commercial, residential, mixed-use, and hospitality. Nicoletta is a talented landscape designer who has worked across numerous climates providing landscapes that sustain and allow for a symbiotic relationship between the built and natural environment.

Wednesday Breakout Round 3 - 3:15pm-4:30pm

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Speakers

• James Palmer - Senior Landscape Architect - DTJ DESIGN
  Inspired by local culture, history, and native ecosystems, James’ work expresses a contemporary fusion of the built and natural environments. Drawing on textures, patterns, and a sense of adventure, his projects enhance accessibility, encourage exploration, and maintain a deep respect for natural resources. His in-depth experience in detailed construction documentation and creative problem-solving ability allows James to view complex site issues as an opportunity to create value rather than a threat to efficiencies.
• Zach Earhart - Associate, Senior Designer and Project Manager - DTJ DESIGN
  With 15+ years of experience and a BSLA in Landscape Architecture, Zach offers clients valuable design solutions in landscape architecture and creative visioning. He applies his experience and talents to projects ranging from large master planned communities to small, detailed spaces. His versatile skills are applied from project visioning to detailed design development on project locations in the United States and Internationally. Zach is best known for his artistic and creative design solutions, graphic talent, and his diligent attention to detail.

Wednesday Breakout Round 3 - 3:15pm-4:30pm

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Speakers

• Abby McNeal - Parks Superintendent - City of Louisville Parks, Recreation & Open Space
  Abby McNeal, CSFM, CPRP, She brings over 27 years of experience in the turfgrass industry and brings those experiences from her most recent position with the City of Louisville, Colorado, as Parks Superintendent. She leads the Parks, Forestry, Cemetery, and Streetscapes teams. Prior to being in this position Abby was with the City and County of Denver Parks Department where she was the City Wide Operations Manager. In Denver Parks she worked with 4 teams: City Wide Trails, Parks Inspections, and Athletics – installation and renovations, and the Parks Mower Shop. Abby has also had collegiate career stops as the Director of Turfgrass Maintenance for Wake Forest University, professional service at TOYOTA Park – major league soccer, as well as the Denver Broncos. Abby has been fortunate to participate in the maintenance of the game field and the practice facilities for several Super Bowls. Abby holds a B.S. in Landscape Horticulture with an emphasis in Turfgrass Management from Colorado State University. She is Certified Sports Field Manager (CSFM) and a Certified Parks and Recreation Professional (CPRP). Involvement in local and national sports turf industry associations has been an essential part of Abby’s career. She has been an active member of the Sports Field Managers Association (SFMA) since 1992 and has been a board of director for 9 years, including the position of President in 2009. She continues to be actively involved locally with CSFMA (Colorado Sports Field Managers Association, the CPRA (Colorado Parks and Recreation Association) park section and continue participation with various SFMA committees. Throughout her career, Abby has received several recognitions for her industry involvement by her peers, most recently having received 2 SFMA Founders Awards- 2018 George Toma “ Golden Rake” Award and 2020 Harry C. Gill Award (highest award presented by SFMA). Abby has served in her community as a member of Arvada Parks Advisory Committee (4 years of service) and currently as an Apex Parks and Recreation Board member. Abby enjoys spending time with her twins and playing ice hockey.
• Brent Delehoy - Superintendent Park Operations - City of Aurora Parks, Recreation, and Open Spaces
  Brent Delehoy is a Superintendent at the City of Aurora with over 20 years of experience in the landscape industry. Specializing in creative and productive solutions for municipalities, water conservation and budget management.
• John Weaver - Skilled Maintenance Supervisor - City of Colorado Springs Parks, Recreation & Cultural Services
  John Weaver, CPRP, is a Skilled Maintenance Supervisor for the City of Colorado Springs Parks, Recreation, and Cultural Services Department. He leads an amazing team of highly skilled trades people who perform specialized maintenance functions across a large department. John has a degree in Mining Engineering and worked as a Mine Operations Manager before following his heart into the field of Park Operations in 2017. He strives every day to provide his community with opportunities to access safe and meaningful experiences in public parks, open spaces, trails, and community centers.

Wednesday Breakout Round 3 - 3:15pm-4:30pm

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Speakers

• Becky Kuiper - Recreation Superintendent - City of Chandler, AZ
  Becky Kuiper, MPA, CPRE is currently a recreation superintendent with City of Chandler, Arizona, Community Services. She has more than 18 years of experience in parks and recreation and worked for municipalities across Colorado before making the move to Arizona. Kuiper has a bachelor’s degree in Recreation, Parks, and Leisure Services Administration from Central Michigan University and a Masters in Public Administration from the University of Colorado, as well as being a Certified Parks and Recreation Executive.
• Hillary Roemersberger - Director of Recreation Services - Apex Park and Recreation District
  Hillary Roemersberger has worked in Parks and Recreation for 16 years. She currently works as the Director of Recreation Services with Apex Park and Recreation District. In her role she is responsible for the oversight of Fitness and Wellness, Licensed programs, and Aquatics as well as multiple recreation centers. Hillary holds a BS in Health and Exercise Science, a Masters in Recreation, Sport and Tourism, and is a Certified Parks and Recreation Professional.

Thursday Breakout Round 1 - 8:30am-9:45am

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Speakers

• Mari Steinbach - Executive Director, Montrose Recreation District
  Mari Steinbach is the Executive Director of the Montrose Recreation District since September, 2019, the current capstone on a 36-year public parks and recreation career. Having grown up in Illinois and Florida, Mari found her love of the outdoors and recreation at an early age, and firmly found her footing as a developing professional in Fort Collins while gaining her degrees at Colorado State University and the University of Colorado at Denver. She has gone on to work in seven states, serving 12 communities, providing an eclectic yet solid mix of experiences and understanding of the dynamics of communities and their services. Mari is involved in professional mentoring programs through NRPA and CPRA, and is also a CAPRA Site Visitor and Agency Mentor.

Thursday Breakout Round 1 - 8:30am-9:45am

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Speakers

• Joel Riker - Vice President of Training & Operations - StarGuard ELITE
  Joel Riker's experience in the Aquatic industry is vast. Since 2000, where he began his career as a lifeguard at Walt Disney World's Blizzard Beach, Joel's expertise in auditing and lifeguard training has given him the opportunity to travel the world. Joel has held roles as Aquatics Director at both Water Country in New Hampshire and the Brentwood YMCA in Tennessee. He has also been a part of two grand opening resorts at the Double JJ Ranch and Golf Resort in Michigan and has consulted for Atlantis-The Palm in Dubai. Joel has extensive experience managing aquatic facility operations and conducting both lifeguard classes and lifeguard instructor training classes. As a Senior Support Specialist with StarFish Aquatics Institute, he conducted StarReviews and scheduled random, unannounced aquatic safety audits.
• Stanton (SJ) Idel - Client Partner - StarGuard ELITE
  SJ is the Client Partner for the Southern Midwest Region of the United States. He provides integral support to clients located in Arkansas, Colorado, Kansas, Missouri, Oklahoma and Texas. ​ SJ also serves as the Training Coordinator for SGE and works with host clients to develop the regional IDC calendar each year. SJ also works with the Client Partner team to develop Instructor Course focus and content. Additionally SJ has recently taken on the training of SGE auditors as a blended learning format with an online focus prior to our in-person training that takes place in Chicago each year. SJ was instrumental in the development of the ELITE Supervisor program and is currently working on a virtual reality scanning program to help lifeguards improve performance in targeting and recognition skills.

Thursday Breakout Round 1 - 8:30am-9:45am

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Speakers

• Erin Hutchings - Operations Manager - City of Aspen Parks & Recreation Department
  Erin Hutchings is an Operations Manager for the City of Aspen Recreation Department and has worked in the Parks and Recreation Feild for over 20 years. She has a Master's in Public Administration through the University of Colorado at Denver. She is a Certified Public Manager and Parks and Recreation Professional who maintains several American Red Cross Instructor Certifications and other recreation industry credentials. Erin has been a leadership coach and mentor since 2014. She has received an Outstanding Employee award for budget management recognized by City Council.
• Michelle Stout - Recreation Manager - Apex Park & Recreation District
  Michelle Stout, CPRP, is a Colorado native who attended Colorado State University obtaining a degree in Health and Exercise Science. She focused mainly in the fitness and wellness world for over 11 years before stepping into the active adult world. She is certified in ACSM CPT, NASM CES, nutrition, and a variety of other certifications. She now is the Manager of the Apex Community Recreation Center, where she oversees the facility, staff, and programs. She is passionate about the Active Adults program and inspiring her community to stay socially, emotionally, and physically connected and active. Michelle is a patient, understanding leader who is focused on creating a safe environment for all at the Center. Michelle previously worked for the Eaton Area Community Recreation Center, is active with the Arvada Chamber Young Professionals and Inspirational Women, as well as the Arvada Kiwanis Club, CPRA, JCCOA, and TRIAD. Michelle received the “Outstanding New Professional” from CPRA in 2021 and was named 2022 Arvada’s Young Professional of the Year through the Arvada Chamber of Commerce. Michelle truly believes in the power of leading from your heart to create a team and culture of authentic, genuine, awesome people!

Thursday Breakout Round 1 - 8:30am-9:45am

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Speakers

• Astro Ball - Data Analyst and Grant Specialist - Montrose Recreation District
  Astro came to parks and recreation after a decade of experience in social work with people that are chronically homeless and with severe mental health and substance abuse issues. He was brought to the parks and recreation by a passion for service, outdoor recreation, and community. As the District's grant and data specialist he currently works to bring outside funding to the district and help the MRD most effectively serve our community by making analytical, data-driven decisions. Astro graduated Summa Cum Laude from UC Berkeley with bachelor's degrees in philosophy and environmental economics, and received a masters of science in social administration from Case Western Reserve University where he was awarded the Leadership Fellows Scholarship focusing on the use of evidence-based practice in social policy.
• Justin Mashburn - Facilities Manager - Montrose Recreation District
  Justin grew up in and attended high school in Frederick, Colorado. After high school he attended Cornell College in Mount Vernon, Iowa, where he double majored in Sports Management and Economics, was captain of the baseball team and ran the school’s intramural department. After graduating from college he came on as MRD’s Youth Recreation Coordinator where he stayed for 15 years. In 2021 Justin was promoted to Facilities Manager overseeing the operation of MRDs Rec Center, Field House and Flex Rec. Justin and his wife Becky have two boys who keep them on their toes, to say the least! Justin and his family love Montrose and the countless opportunities it has to offer while maintaining the small-town feel. In his free time Justin loves hanging out with his family, coaching his boys' teams, hiking, backpacking and officiating high school and college basketball.

Thursday Breakout Round 1 - 8:30am-9:45am

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Speakers

• Abby McNeal - Parks Superintendent - City of Louisville Parks, Recreation & Open Space
  Abby McNeal, CSFM, CPRP, She brings over 27 years of experience in the turfgrass industry and brings those experiences from her most recent position with the City of Louisville, Colorado, as Parks Superintendent. She leads the Parks, Forestry, Cemetery, and Streetscapes teams. Prior to being in this position Abby was with the City and County of Denver Parks Department where she was the City Wide Operations Manager. In Denver Parks she worked with 4 teams: City Wide Trails, Parks Inspections, and Athletics – installation and renovations, and the Parks Mower Shop. Abby has also had collegiate career stops as the Director of Turfgrass Maintenance for Wake Forest University, professional service at TOYOTA Park – major league soccer, as well as the Denver Broncos. Abby has been fortunate to participate in the maintenance of the game field and the practice facilities for several Super Bowls. Abby holds a B.S. in Landscape Horticulture with an emphasis in Turfgrass Management from Colorado State University. She is Certified Sports Field Manager (CSFM) and a Certified Parks and Recreation Professional (CPRP). Involvement in local and national sports turf industry associations has been an essential part of Abby’s career. She has been an active member of the Sports Field Managers Association (SFMA) since 1992 and has been a board of director for 9 years, including the position of President in 2009. She continues to be actively involved locally with CSFMA (Colorado Sports Field Managers Association, the CPRA (Colorado Parks and Recreation Association) park section and continue participation with various SFMA committees. Throughout her career, Abby has received several recognitions for her industry involvement by her peers, most recently having received 2 SFMA Founders Awards- 2018 George Toma “ Golden Rake” Award and 2020 Harry C. Gill Award (highest award presented by SFMA). Abby has served in her community as a member of Arvada Parks Advisory Committee (4 years of service) and currently as an Apex Parks and Recreation Board member. Abby enjoys spending time with her twins and playing ice hockey.

Thursday Breakout Round 1 - 8:30am-9:45am

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Speakers

• Kevin Demchak - Guest Services Supervisor - City of Lafayette
  Kevin first began working in the recreation industry at the age of 15 when he became a lifeguard at the community pool. From there Kevin caught the bug of the "spirit to serve " and pursued his passion for helping people. He has a degree in commercial recreation and has held management roles at Disney World, Universal Studios, Hilton, Marriot, Wyndham, Gaylord Rockies and most recently the City of Lafayette. He looks forward to sharing his depth of leadership experience with CPRA.
• Lexi Bulich - Fitness Coordinator - City of Lafayette
  Although this is only her second year in parks & recreation, Lexi is no rookie in the industry. She was the Regional Fitness Manager for the Colorado Athletic Clubs for 12 years before joining the City of Lafayette as the Fitness Coordinator in August of 2021. With Lexi’s leadership, fitness programming revenue has grown 256% and personal training revenue 338% in just one year. Lexi holds multiple fitness certifications, can teach just about everything, and is a Master Trainer for LaBlast Fitness in her spare time.

Thursday Breakout Round 2 - 10:00am-11:15am

Location

Speakers

• Kurt Friesen - Principal - Norris Design
  Kurt is an award-winning landscape architect with 30 years of experience creating memorable places for people. Kurt has experience in both the public and private sectors and was recently the Park Planning & Development Director for the City of Fort Collins, where he led the planning, design and construction of new parks in the city. Kurt is currently a Principal at Norris Design, where he focuses on design of the public realm, including parks, streets and downtown spaces.
• Megan Testin - Principal - Norris Design
  Megan has more than 15 years of experience providing planning and design services in Summit County and surrounding mountain communities. She excels at leading the collaborative design process with clients and consultant teams. Megan has expertise in park design, educational facilities, and housing projects. She is passionate about the important role parks play in the mental and physical well-being of the communities she serves.

Thursday Breakout Round 2 - 10:00am-11:15am

Location

Speakers

• Ally Flanagan - Human Resources Manager - Carbon Valley Parks and Recreation District
• Dean Rummel - Executive Director - Carbon Valley Parks and Recreation District
  With twenty years of experience in parks and recreation, I have been able to learn from some of the best in the profession and also from some of the not so great. Like many life experiences, unfortunately learning what not to do seems to come easier than what to do. With a selfless mindset, and a drive to be a servant leader, it comes naturally to put staff and the communities needs as top priorities. Success is directly driven by organization culture and staff engagement so spending a lot of time in a leadership role focused on those two priorities is where many “wins” have come from. I believe in leading by example with pride through morals and values. You don’t have to be the most talented in the room, just need to understand how to utilize all the individual strengths to build one heck of a powerful unit.
• Kelly Gray - Programs Coordinator - Carbon Valley Parks and Recreation District
  I am a Colorado native and live in Firestone with my husband of 8 years, Levi, our 4-year-old daughter Ada, and our dog Ted. I enjoy golfing, camping, paddleboarding, sports, and more! I’ve been with CVPRD for 8 years as of this upcoming January. I am passionate about fostering collaboration and building connections within the community to see relationships thrive. I’ve valued my involvement in various District and community projects including, Inter-Governmental Agreements (IGA), Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), Joint Use Agreements (JUA), Grants, Community Parks Conceptual Plans, and more!

Thursday Breakout Round 2 - 10:00am-11:15am

Location

Speakers

• Courtney Wallace - Recreation Coordinator - Facility Operations - Town of Erie Parks & Recreation
  Courtney is new to the world of Parks and Recreation, and currently serves as the Facility Operations Coordinator for the Town of Erie. Her previous experience comes from NORCO Volleyball Club where she worked as the Youth Programs Director and obtained her MS in Sports Administration during that time. She is currently on the CPRA Facility Section Board, and several committees within the Town of Erie. Courtney appreciates connecting with members of the community and embraces the opportunity to oversee several full time and part time staff. Outside of work, Courtney enjoys an active lifestyle with her husband and puppy.
• Mollie Gunter - Recreation Coordinator - Sports- Town of Erie Parks & Recreation
  Mollie Gunter has worked in the Parks and Recreation field for the past 6 years in the Sports department with the Town of Erie. Prior to that she worked in Campus Rec and Athletics for 2 different collegiate programs. She holds an MS in Organizational Management as well as a BS in Legal Studies. Mollie loves programming for the fast-growing Erie community and enjoys the fulfillment of overseeing full time and part time team members. When she isn’t working she loves spending time outdoors with her husband and 2 kids!

Thursday Breakout Round 2 - 10:00am-11:15am

Location

Speakers

• Lexi Bulich - Fitness Coordinator - City of Lafayette
  Although this is only her second year in parks & recreation, Lexi is no rookie in the industry. She was the Regional Fitness Manager for the Colorado Athletic Clubs for 12 years before joining the City of Lafayette as the Fitness Coordinator in August of 2021. With Lexi’s leadership, fitness programming revenue has grown 256% and personal training revenue 338% in just one year. Lexi holds multiple fitness certifications, can teach just about everything, and is a Master Trainer for LaBlast Fitness in her spare time.

Thursday Breakout Round 2 - 10:00am-11:15am

Location

Speakers

• Becky Kuiper - Recreation Superintendent - City of Chandler, AZ
  Becky Kuiper, MPA, CPRE is currently a recreation superintendent with City of Chandler, Arizona, Community Services. She has more than 18 years of experience in parks and recreation and worked for municipalities across Colorado before making the move to Arizona. Kuiper has a bachelor’s degree in Recreation, Parks, and Leisure Services Administration from Central Michigan University and a Masters in Public Administration from the University of Colorado, as well as being a Certified Parks and Recreation Executive.
• Mark Foote - Aquatics Manager - City of Avondale, AZ
  Mark Foote, Senior Project Manager for the City of Mesa (Arizona) has worked in Parks and Recreation for 22 years. He has a passion for staff and leadership development, contributing to Aquatics International, NRPA's Open Space Radio, and the Association of Aquatics professionals. Foote has a Bachelor of Arts in parks and recreation from Arizona State University and a Master of Business Administration from Grand Canyon University. He has served on the Boards of the Association of Aquatics Professionals and the Arizona Parks and Recreation Association.

Thursday Breakout Round 2 - 10:00am-11:15am

Location

Speakers

• Ryan Hegreness - Deputy Director, South Suburban Park & Recreation District
  Ryan Hegreness is a nationally respected marketing and communication strategist and CPRE. He has worked in five states across America, serving communities with populations ranging from under 10,000 to nearly 400,000. Ryan joined the South Suburban Park and Recreation District as deputy director of business services in 2022. He previously led citywide communication, innovation, and cultural affairs for the City of Westminster, Colorado, after being responsible for the business and planning functions of Westminster's Parks, Recreation, and Libraries Department. Before moving to Colorado, Ryan was the marketing and enterprise development manager for the City of Arlington, Texas, and assistant director for Essex Junction Recreation and Parks in Vermont. Ryan has conducted over 150 education sessions, workshops, and keynotes across North America.

Thursday Breakout Round 3 - 1:45pm-3:00pm

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Speakers

• Jo Burns - Chief Connection & Collaboration Officer - Jo Burns Connects, LLC
  Jo Burns (CTRS) is known for her work bringing together professionals from parks, recreation, public health and built environment. She is the co-founder of the Colorado Public Health/Parks & Recreation Collaborative. Jo is a skillful connector with experience in community, camp, professional association and higher ed parks & recreation settings. With numerous public speaking engagements, and critically acclaimed workshops, Jo is a recognized expert in parks and public health arenas. She really enjoys bringing people together to cultivate health in our organizations and communities.

Thursday Breakout Round 3 - 1:45pm-3:00pm

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Speakers

• Amy Hodge - Senior Recreation Program Supervisor – City of Longmont
  Amy Hodge hails from the land of Missouri and has been in Colorado for the last 5 years. She is a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist, certified personal trainer, wellness coach, registered yoga teacher, and American Red Cross professional rescuer. She has worked professionally in the wellness and aging industries since 2009, holding positions in clinical, corporate, and community settings to provide purposeful leisure opportunities for individuals across the lifespan. She has a passion for the aging community and serves on the CPRA AAPS board, the National Exercise Trainers Association Certification Board, and participated as a subject matter expert for group fitness curriculum with the NETA in 2022.
• Michelle Stout - Recreation Manager - Apex Park & Recreation District
  Michelle Stout, CPRP, is a Colorado native who attended Colorado State University obtaining a degree in Health and Exercise Science. She focused mainly in the fitness and wellness world for over 11 years before stepping into the active adult world. She is certified in ACSM CPT, NASM CES, nutrition, and a variety of other certifications. She now is the Manager of the Apex Community Recreation Center, where she oversees the facility, staff, and programs. She is passionate about the Active Adults program and inspiring her community to stay socially, emotionally, and physically connected and active. Michelle is a patient, understanding leader who is focused on creating a safe environment for all at the Center. Michelle previously worked for the Eaton Area Parks and Recreation District, is active with the Arvada Chamber Young Professionals and Inspirational Women, as well as the Arvada Kiwanis Club, CPRA, JCCOA, and TRIAD. Michelle received the “Outstanding New Professional” from CPRA in 2021 and was named 2022 Arvada’s Young Professional of the Year through the Arvada Chamber of Commerce. Michelle truly believes in the power of leading from your heart to create a team and culture of authentic, genuine, awesome people!

Thursday Breakout Round 3 - 1:45pm-3:00pm

Location

Speakers

• Mark Snow - Community Recreation Manager - City of Colorado Springs Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services
  Mark has served as the Community Recreation Manager for the City of Colorado Springs Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services Department for the past year. Prior to that, Mark worked for Colorado Springs in the Therapeutic Recreation Program for four years and the City of Lakewood for 10 years before that. Mark has his Master’s Degree in Therapeutic Recreation from the University of North Texas and his Bachelor’s Degree from the University of Missouri. He is a Certified Parks and Recreation Professional and has presented at many conferences, trainings, and workshops over the years.

Thursday Breakout Round 3 - 1:45pm-3:00pm

Location

Speakers

• Rich Neumann - Senior Consultant, BerryDunn
  Certainly the most "non-governmental" marketing and communications professional you're likely to meet! Known for his unrelenting creativity and irreverent sense of humor, Rich has a long track record of helping governments break down barriers to innovation. A recognized leader in public relations and a jack-of-all-trades, his formidable skills include marketing and branding, arts administration, special events (creation and execution), creative and technical writing, policy development, fundraising, volunteer management, and presentational speaking.
• Ryan Hegreness - Deputy Director, South Suburban Park & Recreation District

Thursday Breakout Round 3 - 1:45pm-3:00pm

Location

Speakers

• Bryan Gentilini - Recreation Manager - Facility Operations - Town of Parker
  Bryan has been with the Town of Parker for 5 years. 4 as the Aquatics Supervisor and almost 2 as the Recreation Manager of Facility Operations where he oversees Aquatics, Day Camp, Facilities & Memberships. Prior to his arrival in Parker, Bryan worked in the aquatics field for 12 years and ran a waterpark in Indiana, indoor and outdoor facilities in Wisconsin and also operated as a training and auditing consultant in the Midwest. While he no longer directly works in the aquatics field, his love and passion for the industry remains.

Thursday Breakout Round 3 - 1:45pm-3:00pm

Location

Speakers

• Katie Groke - Director of Community Services - Apex Park and Recreation District
  Katie Groke, CPRP, MPA is currently the Director of Community Services at the Apex Park and Recreation District. At Apex she oversees Marketing and Communications, Safety Management, Guest Services and Special Events. Previously, she was a Senior Associate at SE2 and Director of Communications and Marketing for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Colorado. She is the former National Program Manager at The White House Project and has a background in recruiting and training women to run for office, managing comprehensive communications campaigns and organizing the community to take action. A graduate of the University of Wyoming where she played on a soccer scholarship, Katie has worked with the NCAA, Choice USA, Springboard Enterprises and Planned Parenthood of the Rocky Mountains. Katie has a Master’s Degree in Public Administration from the University of Colorado at Denver and recently completed NRPA Directors School and is a Certified Park and Recreation Professional. Katie sits on the Board of Directors for the Arvada Vitality Alliance, Visit Arvada, Arvada Chamber of Commerce and Porchlight, a Family Justice Center.
• Monica Bowser - Marketing Administrator - Apex Park and Recreation District
  Monica Bowser is the Marketing Administrator for Apex Park and Recreation District. At Apex, she oversees all social media platforms, assists with marketing tasks, works with a staff of all levels to create content to educate and inform the community about Apex programming, and generally works to hype all the things! Monica previously worked as an enrollment secretary, testing administrator, and Education Support Professional for Jefferson County Public Schools. Her energy, passion, and enthusiasm were tapped to build school enrollment and foster staff and school team culture with advertising and tours, training, special events, orientations, and interest events. Monica also serves as a member of Arvada-Jefferson Kiwanis, which supports the motto: “Serving the kids of the world.” She is involved with the Arvada Chamber and volunteers for events with the City of Arvada and throughout Jefferson County. She is the epitome of Team Apex, and her heartfelt joy and passion for Parks and Recreation are infectious!

Thursday Breakout Round 3 - 1:45pm-3:00pm

Location

Speakers

• Becky Kuiper - Recreation Superintendent - City of Chandler, AZ
  Becky Kuiper, MPA, CPRE is currently a recreation superintendent with City of Chandler, Arizona, Community Services. She has more than 18 years of experience in parks and recreation and worked for municipalities across Colorado before making the move to Arizona. Kuiper has a bachelor’s degree in Recreation, Parks, and Leisure Services Administration from Central Michigan University and a Masters in Public Administration from the University of Colorado, as well as being a Certified Parks and Recreation Executive.
• Mark Foote - Aquatics Manager - City of Avondale, AZ
  Mark Foote, Senior Project Manager for the City of Mesa (Arizona) has worked in Parks and Recreation for 22 years. He has a passion for staff and leadership development, contributing to Aquatics International, NRPA's Open Space Radio, and the Association of Aquatics professionals. Foote has a Bachelor of Arts in parks and recreation from Arizona State University and a Master of Business Administration from Grand Canyon University. He has served on the Boards of the Association of Aquatics Professionals and the Arizona Parks and Recreation Association.

Thursday Breakout Round 4 - 3:15pm-4:30pm

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Thursday Breakout Round 4 - 3:15pm-4:30pm

Location

Speakers

• Cindy Hickman - Recreation Coordinator- Active Adults- Town of Erie Parks & Recreation
  Cindy has worked in the field of Parks and Recreation for almost 30 years, serving the older adult community for nearly 20 years. She’s been an active member of CPRA and active with the AAPS section, which includes holding all Board positions. She received The Columbine Award for Innovation and the AAPS Outstanding Professional award. Cindy’s passion is serving the older adult community and having the daily opportunity to make a change in someone's life. When not working, she enjoys hiking with her sons, and camping and doing all the outdoor stuff with her husband.

Thursday Breakout Round 4 - 3:15pm-4:30pm

Location

Speakers

• Clint Dudley - Executive Director - Thompson Rivers Parks & Recreation District
  Clint Dudley is a parks and recreation professional who has been helping build happy, healthy communities through parks, programs, and partnerships for over 20+ years. Clint is a lucky husband and proud father of six. He’s a bicycle junkie, and baseball fanatic. Clint is passionate about coaching young people and growing their love for sports and lifelong active lifestyles.
• Katie Rummel - Communications Director - Thompson Rivers Parks & Recreation District
  Katie is originally from Iowa where she graduated from the University of Northern Iowa with a degree in Non-Profit Administration and Marketing. Katie has been working in Parks & Recreation for 20+ years - making things pretty and always making sure the community knows what is going on! Outside of TRPR Katie can be found hanging out with her husband and two girls out on the softball field or basketball court.
• Shae Lind - Human Resource Manager - Thompson Rivers Parks & Recreation District
  Shae Lind is the Human Resource Manager and is a Colorado Native who graduated college first generation with a bachelor’s degree in accounting from the Montfort College of Business. Shae has been working in the Parks and Recreation Industry for about 13 years and loves being a part of an organization that is passionate about serving the community.

Thursday Breakout Round 4 - 3:15pm-4:30pm

Location

Speakers

• Rich Neumann - Senior Consultant, BerryDunn
  Certainly the most "non-governmental" marketing and communications professional you're likely to meet! Known for his unrelenting creativity and irreverent sense of humor, Rich has a long track record of helping governments break down barriers to innovation. A recognized leader in public relations and a jack-of-all-trades, his formidable skills include marketing and branding, arts administration, special events (creation and execution), creative and technical writing, policy development, fundraising, volunteer management, and presentational speaking.
• Ryan Hegreness - Deputy Director of Business Services – South Suburban Parks & Recreation District
  Ryan Hegreness is a nationally respected marketing and communication strategist and CPRE. He has worked in five states across America, serving communities with populations ranging from under 10,000 to nearly 400,000. Ryan joined the South Suburban Park and Recreation District as deputy director of business services in 2022. He previously led citywide communication, innovation, and cultural affairs for the City of Westminster, Colorado, after being responsible for the business and planning functions of Westminster’s Parks, Recreation, and Libraries Department. Before moving to Colorado, Ryan was the marketing and enterprise development manager for the City of Arlington, Texas, and assistant director for Essex Junction Recreation and Parks in Vermont. Ryan has conducted over 150 education sessions, workshops, and keynotes across North America.

Thursday Breakout Round 4 - 3:15pm-4:30pm

Location

Speakers

• Tyler Johnson - Partner Development, Rocky Mountains - Positive Coaching Alliance
  As a performance coach, national speaker and mentor Tyler Johnson works with coaches, student-athletes and future leaders. He believes we all have a greater capacity within us to be leaders that raise the standards around us. By elevating our attitudes, educating ourselves & each other, and rejuvenating our routines & habits as necessary - we all can reach our goals faster and with greater momentum. Tyler's experiences as a high school and NCAA captain, working in MLB and NBA front offices; interviewing hundreds of Olympians, pro athletes, elite coaches and authors and repeatedly overcoming his own personal setbacks has aligned with his mission to serve others through what he's learned through a life in athletics and beyond. He has been with Positive Coaching Alliance in some capacity since 2012.

Thursday Breakout Round 4 - 3:15pm-4:30pm

Location

Speakers

• Kirby Van Der Kamp - Soccer Market Representative- Musco Lighting
  As soccer market representative, Kirby Van Der Kamp helps community organizations in the U.S. and overseas to provide youth recreational opportunities by transforming underutilized spaces with the Musco Mini-Pitch System. Kirby grew up playing soccer with those who became his lifelong friends and later was a punter and captain for Iowa State University. Part of the Musco team since 2019, Kirby brings experience in coaching, partnerships, and community outreach. As a sports enthusiast and advocate for kids, he understands the value of providing children with equitable play opportunities where they can have fun, build and nurture friendships, and develop lifelong skills.
• Manny Meraz - Program Associate - U.S. Soccer Foundation
  Manuel joined the U.S Soccer Foundation in January 2022 as a Program Associate. Prior to joining the Foundation, Manuel served as a legal assistant at Kolko & Casey, P.C. As a native Spanish speaker, he assisted immigration attorneys with family based and removal defense immigration cases for predominantly Hispanic communities. His other experience includes volunteering for the Southern Poverty Law Center and assisting with the Southern Immigrant Freedom Initiative, as well as serving as an assistant coach for the Kent Denver Men’s Varsity Soccer team. Manuel graduated from Colorado College with a bachelor’s degree in sociology and a double minor in political science and French. At Colorado College, Manuel played Division III Men’s Soccer and worked closely with the Athletics Marketing Department. Manuel was born and raised in Denver and is a lifelong fan of all Denver based teams, in addition to his support of Manchester City. Outside of work, you will likely find Manuel watching sports, hanging out with family and friends, or attending live concerts.
• Stephen Baker - Sales Representative - Musco Lighting
  Stephen Baker has been in sales with Musco since 2014, during which time he has worked with customers in Iowa, Virginia, Maryland, and now Colorado. Stephen’s knowledge of the public bid process, lighting design, and lighting safety audits combined with his experience building relationships with stakeholders from various sectors uniquely qualifies him to develop customized solutions for each customer. He has led many educational sessions for facility owners, consultants, contractors, and organizations.

Thursday Breakout Round 4 - 3:15pm-4:30pm

Location

Speakers

• Alison Rhodes - Director - City of Boulder Parks and Recreation
  Ali Rhodes, MPA, is Boulder’s Parks and Recreation Director. Ali’s two key responsibilities are to set vision for the organization and to support BPR’s teammates in operating a world-class parks and recreation system. Beginning her professional career in Finance, Ali soon realized that parks and recreation aligned with her dedication to community and commitment to continuous improvement and health equity – she joined the city in 2002 and has never looked back. Ali holds a bachelor’s degree in History (cum laude) and Spanish from the University of Colorado at Boulder and a Master’s in Public Administration from the University of Colorado at Denver.
• Jaclynn Alvarez - Recreation Administrator - Hyland Hills Park & Recreation District
  Jaclynn Alvarez, CPRP, is currently a Recreation Manager for Apex Park and Recreation District. She oversees Fitzmorris Recreation Center, as well as the Fitness and Wellness Division including fitness programming and services throughout Apex. Jaclynn has a Bachelor of Science in Food Science and Human Nutrition, with a concentration in Fitness and Nutrition and minor in Business Administration from Colorado State University. Jaclynn has worked in Colorado Parks and Recreation for over 7 years, progressing in supervisory roles. She started her career in recreation while in college, working in Campus Recreation in various student lead positions. She fell in love with the inclusive environment that recreation provides a community.
• John Weaver - Skilled Maintenance Supervisor - City of Colorado Springs Parks, Recreation & Cultural Services
  John Weaver, CPRP, is a Skilled Maintenance Supervisor for the City of Colorado Springs Parks, Recreation, and Cultural Services Department. He leads an amazing team of highly skilled trades people who perform specialized maintenance functions across a large department. John has a degree in Mining Engineering and worked as a Mine Operations Manager before following his heart into the field of Park Operations in 2017. He continually strives to provide his community with opportunities to safely access and utilize public parks, trails, and community centers.

Closing Keynote - Friday, 9am-10:30am

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