In today’s dynamic world of parks and recreation, effective leadership is more essential than ever. This field plays a vital role in enhancing the quality of life in our communities, yet the challenges facing our teams—staffing, burnout, and ever-evolving public needs—require intentional leadership grounded in purpose. Drawing from my book, Leading with Purpose: Achieving Your Highest Potential in Work and Life, this article explores how leaders in parks and recreation can lead with authenticity, clarity, and impact.
Throughout my career, I’ve had the opportunity to serve in a variety of roles that shaped my leadership philosophy—from Adventure Recreation Supervisor for Columbus Recreation and Parks, to Recreation Specialist at Lake Metroparks, to Outdoor Adventure Coordinator at Kent State University, to NC 4-H Camping Specialist at NC State University. I’ve also had the privilege of co-founding the Friends of Johnston County Parks in North Carolina, where we’ve worked to build strong community partnerships and elevate local outdoor-recreation opportunities. Across each of these roles, one truth has remained constant: leadership is less about authority and more about purposefully empowering others.
