Professional Background

Executive Profile

With more than 17 years of municipal leadership experience, I have directed complex park systems, overseen diverse enterprise operations, and led multi-million-dollar capital initiatives. My work integrates placemaking, fiscal stewardship, GIS-informed planning, and collaborative leadership to deliver resilient, high-performing parks and recreation systems that strengthen community identity and economic vitality.

Professional Experience

Director of Parks & Recreation

City of Chelan, Washington | 2019–Nov. 2025

  • Lead a $4.8 million full cost-recovery department overseeing enterprise operations including an 18-hole golf course, 160-site RV park, 100-slip marina, and regional waterfront parks.

  • Achieved year-over-year revenue growth for four consecutive years; maintained profitability every year except during the pandemic-mandated shutdown period.

  • Supervise 11 full-time and 39 seasonal employees, cultivating a high-engagement, performance-driven team culture.

  • Secured over $1 million in grant funding for capital improvements and infrastructure.

  • Delivered a $3.5 million parks maintenance facility on time and under budget.

  • Developed site master plans for all city parks and authored a Parks & Recreation System Master Plan recognized by the State of Washington as a model framework.

  • Improved operational efficiency through strategic planning, disciplined resource allocation, and project management systems.

Parks Planner

Town of Pittsboro, North Carolina | 2008–2019

  • Directed development of a 100-acre municipal park system from inception, adding more than $3 million in public assets.

  • Led design and construction of three new parks and renovations of all existing facilities.

  • Secured and administered over $1.5 million in grant funding.

  • Created a top-ranked disc golf course in North Carolina’s Triangle and Triad regions.

  • Received NCASLA Honor Award recognition for Mary Holmes Park.

  • Led system-wide branding and master planning initiatives aligned with economic development goals.

  • Managed the Town’s Main Street Program, integrating placemaking with downtown revitalization strategy.

GIS Consultant

The Wooten Company | 2003–2008

Provided spatial analysis, modeling, and cartographic design services supporting land use planning, hazard mitigation, and infrastructure planning projects. Developed a strong foundation in data-informed decision-making that continues to inform my strategic leadership approach.

Core Competencies

Strategic Leadership

  • Organizational & Team Leadership

  • Stakeholder & Community Engagement

  • Public Process Navigation

  • Interdepartmental Collaboration

Financial & Operational Management

  • Strategic Budgeting & Forecasting

  • Cost Recovery & Enterprise Operations

  • Capital Project Delivery

  • Grant Acquisition & Administration

Planning & Design

  • Master Planning & Urban Design

  • GIS & Data-Informed Strategy

  • Placemaking & System Branding

  • Sustainable Park Development

Education & Credentials

Master of Parks, Recreation & Tourism Management
North Carolina State University | 2016

B.A. Geography (GIS Concentration)
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill | 2003

Certifications

  • Certified Park & Recreation Professional (CPRP)

  • NRPA Directors School Graduate

Resume