Heavenly Smith - Recreation Program Coordinator, Susquehanna Township - Harrisburg, PA converses about finding a career in and navigating parks and rec as a nontraditional hire, the path that lead to her being a Thirty Under Thirty winner, the benefit of implementing skills gained from other jobs in parks, and covers topics from mental health and building a support system, to successful conflict resolution and leadership coaching tactics.
This episode sponsored by CivicPlus - The Best-Run Local Governments Run on CivicPlus Technology - https://www.civicplus.com/
Shane Mize is the Director of Parks and Recreation in the city of Pflugerville, Texas, where he resides with his wife and children.
Tom Venniro is the 11-year Director of Parks and Recreation in Hilton-Parma, New York, where he resides with his wife Melissa, son Jack, and daughter Amelia.
Jay Tryon is an 18-year park and recreation professional who loves to improve communities and their quality of life. He currently resides in Charlotte, North Carolina, with his wife and children.
Cort Jones, NRPA Director of Content Marketing; Christina High, Social Media Manager at NRPA; Cara Myers, Marketing and Engagement Manager at NRPA; are the driving force behind Open Space - the official blog and podcast of the National Recreation and Parks Association. Listen in as they talk about the fun, responsibility, and opportunities to tell the stories of, and provide resources and tools for NRPA's professionals.Click here to learn more about Open Space - https://www.nrpa.org/blog/This episode sponsored by CivicPlus - The Best-Run Local Governments Run on CivicPlus Technology - https://www.civicplus.com/ Shane Mize is the Director of Parks and Recreation in the city of Pflugerville, Texas, where he resides with his wife and children.Tom Venniro is the 11-year Director of Parks and Recreation in Hilton-Parma, New York, where he resides with his wife Melissa, son Jack, and daughter Amelia.Jay Tryon is an 18-year park and recreation professional who loves to improve communities and their quality of life. He currently resides in Charlotte, North Carolina, with his wife and children.
Chris Hunter, CPSI - Superintendent of Park Operations at Mecklenburg County, NC offers a crash course in his leadership philosophy, strategies that have given him success in relationships as the "chief cheerleader for parks and rec," and the challenges and mindset of switching from running a parks and rec staff to a parks ops staff. Make sure to connect with him on LinkedIn to check out his Superintendent Shorts.
This episode sponsored by CivicPlus - The Best-Run Local Governments Run on CivicPlus Technology - https://www.civicplus.com/
Shane Mize is the Director of Parks and Recreation in the city of Pflugerville, Texas, where he resides with his wife and children.
Tom Venniro is the 11-year Director of Parks and Recreation in Hilton-Parma, New York, where he resides with his wife Melissa, son Jack, and daughter Amelia.
Jay Tryon is an 18-year park and recreation professional who loves to improve communities and their quality of life. He currently resides in Charlotte, North Carolina, with his wife and children.
Brandon Washington, MPA, CPRE - Recreation Program Superintendent, Casa Grande, AZ highlights his transition into the field of parks and recreation from athletics, the difference that being involved makes for a career and networking opportunities, and constantly striving for excellence as he moves into various leadership roles and pushes his career forward.
This episode sponsored by CivicPlus - The Best-Run Local Governments Run on CivicPlus Technology - https://www.civicplus.com/
Shane Mize is the Director of Parks and Recreation in the city of Pflugerville, Texas, where he resides with his wife and children.
Tom Venniro is the 11-year Director of Parks and Recreation in Hilton-Parma, New York, where he resides with his wife Melissa, son Jack, and daughter Amelia.
Jay Tryon is an 18-year park and recreation professional who loves to improve communities and their quality of life. He currently resides in Charlotte, North Carolina, with his wife and children.
Hashim Taylor - Director of Rec, Parks, & Cultural Activities, Alexandria, VA discusses his role on the board of the National Recreation and Park Association, helping steer national policy, advocating for the program, and amplifying the message for parks professionals. He also discusses his early career and his trajectory to his leadership philosophy and current role. This episode sponsored by CivicPlus - The Best-Run Local Governments Run on CivicPlus Technology - https://www.civicplus.com/ Shane Mize is the Director of Parks and Recreation in the city of Pflugerville, Texas, where he resides with his wife and children.Tom Venniro is the 11-year Director of Parks and Recreation in Hilton-Parma, New York, where he resides with his wife Melissa, son Jack, and daughter Amelia.Jay Tryon is an 18-year park and recreation professional who loves to improve communities and their quality of life. He currently resides in Charlotte, North Carolina, with his wife and children.
Molly Keays - Director of Parks and Recreation, South Windsor, CT highlights stepping from the private sector world with the YMCA into the world of public service, navigating local politics, making connections and networking with other young professionals, and finding success.
This episode sponsored by CivicPlus - The Best-Run Local Governments Run on CivicPlus Technology - https://www.civicplus.com/
Shane Mize is the Director of Parks and Recreation in the city of Pflugerville, Texas, where he resides with his wife and children.
Tom Venniro is the 11-year Director of Parks and Recreation in Hilton-Parma, New York, where he resides with his wife Melissa, son Jack, and daughter Amelia.
Jay Tryon is an 18-year park and recreation professional who loves to improve communities and their quality of life. He currently resides in Charlotte, North Carolina, with his wife and children.
Nate Salley - The Audible Coach, Former Carolina Panther NFL Player, Certified Executive Coach highlights his leadership philosophy, overcoming difficult circumstances, inspiring staff, and navigating change.
Click here to learn more - https://natesalley.com and follow on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/theaudiblecoach
This episode sponsored by CivicPlus - The Best-Run Local Governments Run on CivicPlus Technology - https://www.civicplus.com/
Shane Mize is the Director of Parks and Recreation in the city of Pflugerville, Texas, where he resides with his wife and children.
Tom Venniro is the 11-year Director of Parks and Recreation in Hilton-Parma, New York, where he resides with his wife Melissa, son Jack, and daughter Amelia.
Jay Tryon is an 18-year park and recreation professional who loves to improve communities and their quality of life. He currently resides in Charlotte, North Carolina, with his wife and children.
Gabby Vera, CPRP - Director of Parks and Recreation, Lake Havasu, AZ benefitted from parks and recreation programs as a youth and her experiences have shaped her leadership philosophy, mindset, and accomplishments that has led to an award winning year, including the 2025 AZ Young Professional of the Year and the 2025 Robert Crawford award.
This episode sponsored by CivicPlus - The Best-Run Local Governments Run on CivicPlus Technology - https://www.civicplus.com/
Shane Mize is the Director of Parks and Recreation in the city of Pflugerville, Texas, where he resides with his wife and children.
Tom Venniro is the 11-year Director of Parks and Recreation in Hilton-Parma, New York, where he resides with his wife Melissa, son Jack, and daughter Amelia.
Jay Tryon is an 18-year park and recreation professional who loves to improve communities and their quality of life. He currently resides in Charlotte, North Carolina, with his wife and children.
Antonio Murphy - Executive Director of Parks and Recreation, Killeen, TX - highlights his nontraditional career journey and how he used social media as a tool to help achieve his goals.
This episode sponsored by CivicPlus - The Best-Run Local Governments Run on CivicPlus Technology - https://www.civicplus.com/
To learn more about Rec Technologies - rec.us/partner
Shane Mize is the Director of Parks and Recreation in the city of Pflugerville, Texas, where he resides with his wife and children.
Tom Venniro is the 11-year Director of Parks and Recreation in Hilton-Parma, New York, where he resides with his wife Melissa, son Jack, and daughter Amelia.
Jay Tryon is an 18-year park and recreation professional who loves to improve communities and their quality of life. He currently resides in Charlotte, North Carolina, with his wife and children.
Bernita Reese - CPRP, Director of Parks and Recreation, Columbus, OH highlights her excitement about Columbus hosting the 2029 NRPA Conference, the unique services that Columbus has to offer, and setting youth and young adults up for success, no matter their background or circumstance.
This episode sponsored by CivicPlus - The Best-Run Local Governments Run on CivicPlus Technology - https://www.civicplus.com/
To learn more about Rec Technologies - rec.us/partner
Shane Mize is the Director of Parks and Recreation in the city of Pflugerville, Texas, where he resides with his wife and children.
Tom Venniro is the 11-year Director of Parks and Recreation in Hilton-Parma, New York, where he resides with his wife Melissa, son Jack, and daughter Amelia.
Jay Tryon is an 18-year park and recreation professional who loves to improve communities and their quality of life. He currently resides in Charlotte, North Carolina, with his wife and children.
Kristine Stratton - President and CEO of the National Recreation and Parks Association reveals behind the scenes insight into site selection for the yearly NRPA conference, consideration and intention behind yearly offerings, and her personal investment and passion in growing parks and recreation professionals across the country.
Visit RecLesspod.com to order limited time merch.
This episode sponsored by CivicPlus - The Best-Run Local Governments Run on CivicPlus Technology - https://www.civicplus.com/
Shane Mize is the Director of Parks and Recreation in the city of Pflugerville, Texas, where he resides with his wife and children.
Tom Venniro is the 11-year Director of Parks and Recreation in Hilton-Parma, New York, where he resides with his wife Melissa, son Jack, and daughter Amelia.
Jay Tryon is an 18-year park and recreation professional who loves to improve communities and their quality of life. He currently resides in Charlotte, North Carolina, with his wife and children.
Craig Bouck - Principal, Strategy Partner - BRS Architecture, www.brsarch.com
Craig passionately speaks to the impact that a facility can make not only in a community, but on individuals and their quality of life and the ideals and vision behind that impact.
Visit RecLesspod.com to order limited time merch.
This episode sponsored by CivicPlus - The Best-Run Local Governments Run on CivicPlus Technology - https://www.civicplus.com/
Shane Mize is the Director of Parks and Recreation in the city of Pflugerville, Texas, where he resides with his wife and children.
Tom Venniro is the 11-year Director of Parks and Recreation in Hilton-Parma, New York, where he resides with his wife Melissa, son Jack, and daughter Amelia.
Jay Tryon is an 18-year park and recreation professional who loves to improve communities and their quality of life. He currently resides in Charlotte, North Carolina, with his wife and children.
Highlighted moments and reflections from Season 4 and a few hints about what is yet to come!
Don't miss out on a special opportunity from our friends at National Recreation and Park Association! Click on the link below to find out how you could attend the NRPA National Conference in Orlando, FL for free!
https://bit.ly/PRMGiveaway
Shane Mize is the Director of Parks and Recreation in the city of Pflugerville, Texas, where he resides with his wife and children.
Tom Venniro is the 11-year Director of Parks and Recreation in Hilton-Parma, New York, where he resides with his wife Melissa, son Jack, and daughter Amelia.
Jay Tryon is an 18-year park and recreation professional who loves to improve communities and their quality of life. He currently resides in Charlotte, North Carolina, with his wife and children.
John Prue Morale Welfare and Recreation (MWR) Management and Program Analyst for Navy Region Mid-Atlantic, Bunny Allen MWR Management and Program Analyst for Navy Region Northwest speak to the mission, unique opportunities, similarities, and differences of working in military recreation.
For more information about the National Recreation and Parks Association Armed Forces Recreation Network (AFRN) click here - http://bit.ly/3FNVH98
For Navy MWR job listings click here - https://www.navymwr.org/careers
Shane Mize is the Director of Parks and Recreation in the city of Pflugerville, Texas, where he resides with his wife and children.
Tom Venniro is the 11-year Director of Parks and Recreation in Hilton-Parma, New York, where he resides with his wife Melissa, son Jack, and daughter Amelia.
Jay Tryon is an 18-year park and recreation professional who loves to improve communities and their quality of life. He currently resides in Charlotte, North Carolina, with his wife and children.
Shonnda Smith - Executive Director of Parks & Public Services and Executive Director of Public Works- Mobile, AL - Discusses her three rules for success and happiness, advice that she gives young, and not so young, professionals to develop them into capable leaders, and steps that she uses to encourage professional growth. She also speaks to her experience of serving as a member on the National Recreation and Parks Board of Directors and various national committees, their impact, and work life balance.
https://www.nrpa.org/about-national-recreation-and-park-association/leadership/board-of-directors/.
Shane Mize is the Director of Parks and Recreation in the city of Pflugerville, Texas, where he resides with his wife and children.
Tom Venniro is the 11-year Director of Parks and Recreation in Hilton-Parma, New York, where he resides with his wife Melissa, son Jack, and daughter Amelia.
Jay Tryon is an 18-year park and recreation professional who loves to improve communities and their quality of life. He currently resides in Charlotte, North Carolina, with his wife and children.
Maxime Pierre, MPA, CPRP - District Superintendent for the City of Ft. Worth, TX - highlights a new era of the Young Professional Network and making it their own, making big decisions early in a career, and being a young manager in the midst of a leadership change.
Shane Mize is the Director of Parks and Recreation in the city of Pflugerville, Texas, where he resides with his wife and children.
Tom Venniro is the 11-year Director of Parks and Recreation in Hilton-Parma, New York, where he resides with his wife Melissa, son Jack, and daughter Amelia.
Jay Tryon is an 18-year park and recreation professional who loves to improve communities and their quality of life. He currently resides in Charlotte, North Carolina, with his wife and children.
Stacie Anaya presents her three rules for success and happiness and speaks to a leadership style that has led to developing a program that is a contender for this year's national gold medal award, and scaling the department in a way that has led to excellence that extends to all departments in the city.
Shane Mize is the Director of Parks and Recreation in the city of Pflugerville, Texas, where he resides with his wife and children.
Tom Venniro is the 11-year Director of Parks and Recreation in Hilton-Parma, New York, where he resides with his wife Melissa, son Jack, and daughter Amelia.
Jay Tryon is an 18-year park and recreation professional who loves to improve communities and their quality of life. He currently resides in Charlotte, North Carolina, with his wife and children.
Kara Kish - Director of Parks and Recreation - Loveland, CO speaks to her unique leadership philosophy, resiliency, and experiences serving in various capacities around the country. She highlights her participation in the young professionals network of NRPA, being a woman in a male dominated field, and the principles that guide her beliefs and direction.
Shane Mize is the Director of Parks and Recreation in the city of Pflugerville, Texas, where he resides with his wife and children.
Tom Venniro is the 11-year Director of Parks and Recreation in Hilton-Parma, New York, where he resides with his wife Melissa, son Jack, and daughter Amelia.
Jay Tryon is an 18-year park and recreation professional who loves to improve communities and their quality of life. He currently resides in Charlotte, North Carolina, with his wife and children.
Stephen C. Bentley, CPRP - Director of Parks, Recreation and Cultural Resources, Raleigh, NC;speaks to saying yes to opportunity, building relationships and relying on other's expertise to reach greatness, programming and managing at a city level, and bringing innovation and revitalization to a city through the arts.
Shane Mize is the Director of Parks and Recreation in the city of Pflugerville, Texas, where he resides with his wife and children.
Tom Venniro is the 11-year Director of Parks and Recreation in Hilton-Parma, New York, where he resides with his wife Melissa, son Jack, and daughter Amelia.
Jay Tryon is an 18-year park and recreation professional who loves to improve communities and their quality of life. He currently resides in Charlotte, North Carolina, with his wife and children.
Cortney Weinstock, CPRE
As Deputy Director of Administration for Baltimore County Recreation and Parks - she highlights stepping into various cities and programs around the US, and finding the common threads that make a professional effective and successful, the importance of a supportive family unit to a parks professional, and showing a new community that you care as you step in to bring new opportunities and programming.
Shane Mize is the Director of Parks and Recreation in the city of Pflugerville, Texas, where he resides with his wife and children.
Tom Venniro is the 11-year Director of Parks and Recreation in Hilton-Parma, New York, where he resides with his wife Melissa, son Jack, and daughter Amelia.
Jay Tryon is an 18-year park and recreation professional who loves to improve communities and their quality of life. He currently resides in Charlotte, North Carolina, with his wife and children.