Trista Taylor, CPRP - Deputy Parks & Recreation Director, Village of Cottage Grove, WI, speaks to making connections, finding a second career, and thriving in a small department.

Hillary Roemersberger, CPRP, Arvada, Colorado, Director of Recreation Services, Apex Park and Recreation District speaks to her experience with aquatics and overseeing high level facilities.

Karen Hesser is the Chief Executive Officer for Five Rivers MetroParks, in Dayton, Ohio. Her 40 year career has spanned multiple positions including Chief Park Ranger, Regional Park Superintendent, and Assistant Director. She is a current member of the American Academy for Park and Recreation Administration. She speaks to the importance of making connections and cultivating relationships in a career and as leader, serving at the national level, and navigating the field of park operations.

Cindie Sullivan, CPRP, is the current President of the American Academy for Park & Recreation Administration and is the retired Assistant Director of the Somerset County Park Commission (SCPC), with 40 years of parks and recreation experience. She speaks to her "why" in the field of parks and recreation, creating a network, and the importance of mentoring at all stages of a career.

Jason Olson is the Director of Parks and Recreation for the city of Norman, OK. Jeff Edwards is the CEO and Executive Director of the River Parks Authority in Tulsa, OK. They participated in a live interview at the state Oklahoma Parks and Recreation Association convention in Norman, OK speaking to programming for various types of parks, funding, and partnerships.

Ashley Faulcon, Program Coordinator - Youth/Community Services, East Brunswick, NJ discusses meaningful programming for teens and the highlights of her professional journey that has led to a momentous year.

Nate Williams - Director of Parks and Recreation - Excelsior Springs, MO - speaks to recognizing and developing leadership qualities, incorporating and utilizing the geniuses of a team, and creativity in programming.

Linda Kotowski - CPRP, past president of NRPA, and Member of the American Academy of Park and Recreation Administration - highlights her support of the Academy Extern program, her work as a mentor to young professionals, and her experience in the field.

Errin Koon - Recreation Manager - Programs, Parker Fieldhouse, Parker, CO, recorded live at the National Recreation and Parks Association conference in Atlanta, GA, highlighting youth sports programming, recreation centers and their impact on a community, and the great state of Colorado.

Dr. Tony Lopez - Deputy Town Manager of Miami Lakes, FL highlights educating and recruiting future parks and recreation professionals, using creativity and innovation to thrive in the field of city management, and building and maintaining a professional network.