🎙️ From Volunteer at 14 to Leading 25,000 Acres: Amy McMillan's Journey Transforming Public Parks in Southeast Michigan

In this inspiring episode, Amy McMillan, Chief Executive Officer of Huron-Clinton Metroparks, shares her remarkable journey from volunteering in a special needs recreation program at age 14 to leading one of the oldest and most beloved park systems in the United States.

✨ Key Insights You'll Learn:

• Career sparked by volunteering with special needs recreation program and Special Olympics at age 14

• Changed college major to Parks and Recreation in senior year after discovering it could be a career

• Genesee County Parks transformation: turning around declining system with limited resources through grants, partnerships, and community engagement

• Returned to Huron-Clinton Metroparks in 2018 after internship at age 22 where she declared she'd lead the organization someday

• Managing 25,000 acres across 13 parks (soon 14) serving five counties in Southeast Michigan

• Metro Parks funded by perpetual 0.25 mil property tax approved 85 years ago, entrance fees, and golf revenue from seven regulation courses

• First Metro Park opening in Detroit at Ralph C. Wilson Jr. Centennial Park after decades of city residents paying taxes without local park access

• Everyone in the Pool program: teaching over 4,000 kids to swim for free annually in region with tragic drowning rates

• Supplemental Science program: interpretive staff taking over science classes year-round, transforming how kids view themselves and their connection to nature

• Metro Parks police department with drone team and canine officer responding to community emergencies including recent Grand Blanc Township church shooting

• Stormwater management impact: millions of gallons filtered annually, reducing mowing areas to improve water quality and mitigate flooding

• Vision to connect all parks via non-motorized pathways mile by mile, section by section

• Failed millage campaign became catalyst for success: learning to engage 200 employees who each had circles of 10 voters

• Summer workforce of 1,000 employees with retention bonuses, tuition reimbursement, and culture of continuous learning

• Grief and resilience: processing loss of both parents while finding healing through nature, purpose, and creating family memories for others

🌟 Amy's Key Mentors:

Her Parents - Patricia Marie O'Sullivan McMillan and Don McMillan

Cousin with Special Needs

Genesee County and Metro Parks Leadership Teams

The 89-Year-Old Aunt

Metro Parks Interpretive Department Staff

Community Partners Throughout Southeast Michigan

👉 Don't miss this powerful conversation about the healing power of nature, breaking barriers as a woman in parks leadership, turning millage defeat into victory, responding to community tragedy with preparedness and grace, and why public parks are essential infrastructure that increase property values, manage stormwater, and create the character of thriving communities.

🔗 Connect with Amy McMillan:

Website: metroparks.com

Huron-Clinton Metroparks: Serving Livingston, Macomb, Oakland, Washtenaw, and Wayne Counties in Southeast Michigan

Address: 13000 High Ridge Drive, Brighton, Michigan 48114

📄 Transcript Available: Transforming Public Recreation: Amy McMillan's Journey Leading Southeast Michigan's Metroparks

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📄 Special Thanks to Anthony Codispoti & AddBack Benefits Agency: AddBack Benefits Agency - Providing innovative employee benefits solutions that improve employee well-being while optimizing your bottom line Website: addbackbenefits.com

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