Welcome to Park Leaders. Park Leaders is about connecting the gap between the wisdom of those who did with the passion of those who will.
When I was a fresh faced rookie, I had a park manager who spent extra time with me. He answered questions, he pointed out learning opportunities, he slowed down long enough to help me along.
Jack Hartt had the wisdom to help guide my passion, so I learned more, considered more, and developed into a leader.
I realize not everyone is fortunate enough to have a Jack Hartt help them start a career. In fact, I never worked for another manager who invested in me the way Jack Hartt did.
This is where Park Leaders comes in.
At Park Leaders, we collect the wisdom and experience of veterans who have made mistakes and accomplished big things, and we present it as a resource to others. Whether you are an up and coming leader, or an experienced veteran, Park Leaders will provide the resources for you to choose yourself as a leader and have an impact.
No longer will you have to wait for a promotion or a title. No longer do you have to wait for someone to declare you are a leader.
You are a leader because you have chosen to be a leader.
About Jody Maberry
Hi I am Jody Maberry, and I am the founder of Park Leaders.
Every Park Ranger has a good story about how they got started. My path to being a Ranger needed me to spend time as a Financial Analyst first. I wore a shirt and tie to work. I sat in a cubicle and longed for time outside.
I got my fix on weekend camping trips and hiking in a local state park after work. Finally, I fulfilled a boyhood dream and became a Park Ranger with Washington State Parks.
For eight years I wore the badge and flat hat, splitting my career between Riverside State Park and Fort Flagler State Park.
As a Ranger I did things I never imaged. I had wildlife encounters. I drove a truck, peddled a bike, rode an ATV, paddled a kayak and called it work. I put out fires and helped save lives. I spent my days in nature. I served the public. I made lifelong friends.
It was glorious career of breaking things, fixing things, and meeting fantastic people.
But I have to be honest. I did not have a storybook ranger career.
After my time as a Park Ranger, I returned to school to earn an MBA. Our beautiful parks kept calling to me. Parks kept tugging at my sleeve to come back, so here I am. I am here to use my background in business and experience as a Park Ranger to help develop the next generation of Park Leaders.
What can Park Leaders Help You With?
We are creating a community where Park Rangers and other champions of parks, recreation, and conservation can turn for resources to develop into a stronger leader.
At Park Leaders you can find podcasts, articles, and other resources to help you…
•Build confidence in your leadership, management, and hiring.
•Understand how to hire the right person for your team.
•Understand how to get a promotion or get a job at the park of your dreams.
•Learn from Veterans who have been in your situation.
•Be part of a community coming together to change parks.
•Build your legacy.
At Park Leaders, you will find others who are rooting for your success and giving you the resources to get there.
To keep up to date, and in touch, with everything going on with Park Leaders, you can sign up for the Park Leaders Newsletter.