Tailgate Talks

Roger Phelps, with STIHL Inc., Joins Donald Forgione on the Tailgate to discuss their relationship with the recreation and conservation communities.

Roger Phelps joined STIHL Inc. in 2001 as the Corporate Communications Manager. In that position, he is responsible for creating and telling the STIHL story through integrated event marketing, strategic partnerships, sponsorships, and digital and social media to increase the visibility of and affinity for the STIHL brand and over 10,000 STIHL dealers. He attended the U.S. Naval Academy and served ten years in the U.S. Navy, attaining the rank of Lieutenant Commander. He has served on the National Association of Landscape Professionals Foundation Board of Directors, the National Association of State Park Directors Leadership School Board of Regents, and the Professional Grounds Management Society Board of Directors. [email protected]

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Rodney Franklin, Director of Texas State Parks, joins Donald Forgione on the Tailgate to discuss what is next for Texas State Parks. Coming off a successful Centennial celebration, winning the gold medal, and the passage of Proposition 14, establishing a $1 billion trust fund to acquire and develop new state parks across Texas. The transformative impact alone of the Centennial Parks Conservation Fund on the future of Texas State Parks and the landscape of Texas. How do you plan to implement the funds, and what goes into selecting appropriate land for a state park? How is this opportunity driving strategic decisions, enhancing natural resources, expanding public access and recreation, and shaping the next century of Texas public lands?

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Derek Christoffel joins Donald Forgione on the Tailgate for an exciting ride-along discussion. Derek is a Park Ranger with the Plymouth County Conservation Board. Plymouth County Conservation manages over 2,700 acres of oak timber and river bottom forest, native and reconstructed prairies, wetlands, ponds, and lakes. With numerous miles of unpaved trails, multiple campgrounds, a snow tubing hill with a lift, a disc golf course, boat ramps, picnic shelters, and playgrounds, there is something for everyone to enjoy at Plymouth County's 17 wildlife areas, recreation areas, and parks. Year-round environmental education and recreation programs allow everyone to learn new skills and learn about their natural environment.

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Pat Wright joins Donald Forgione on the Tailgate to discuss park management. Pat is the Park Manager of Montgomery Bell State Park located SW of Nashville, TN. Pat is a 40-year veteran of Tennessee State Parks.

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Jessica Dolin joins Donald Forgione on the Tailgate to discuss the benefits of gift shops within our operations. Jessica is the Retail Merchandizer for West Virginia State Parks.

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Rosie Forgione, Stacie Linley, and Tom Linley join Donald Forgione on the Tailgate for an update on their journey to Alaska.

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Brent Leisure returns to join Donald Forgione on the Tailgate for a discussion from Director to Director. Brent is the retired Director of Texas State Parks, and Donald is the retired Director of Florida Stae Park. Both gentlemen rose through the ranks in their respective large park systems.

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Ludie Bond and Ash Ehlers join Donald Forgione on the Tailgate to discuss the benefits of family members working in the same department. Ludie is a Wildland Mitigation Specialist and a Public Information Specialist for the Florida Forest Service. Her Daughter Ash Ehlers is a Forest Ranger with the Florida Forest Service. Many trades have been passed down throughout history from mother and father to daughter and son. This trend especially happens in the first responder fields, including Rangers, Land Managers, and other conservation industries. Join this fun and enlightening conversation on the Tailgate.

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Kyle Bernis joins Donald Forgione on the Tailgate to discuss Safety In Action. Safety is an essential aspect of our day-to-day operations.

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Tom Linley joins Donald Forgione on the Tailgate to discuss their trip to Alaska. Tom is a returning guest, seasoned park professional, and full-time RVer. They discuss the adventure and the challenges of embarking on this long trip. North to Alaska is a song by Johnny Horton that was popular in the 50's.

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