I know Park Leaders is on a roll when I end up talking with someone like Richard Rojas. It is a sign to me the dots are starting to connect. I was introduced to Mr. Rojas through Jose Gonzalez of Latino Outdoors. I was introduced to Jose through John Griffith of the California Conservation Corps. […]
Ten Steps to Get the Most out of Working With Volunteers
At Park Leaders we examine issues relevant for park leaders. We have heard from more than one guest on the Park Leaders Show about how important volunteers are to the vitality of parks. There are steps you can take to ensure you get the most out of working with volunteers and they get value from working […]
Latinos and Parks with Jose Gonzalez
Park Leaders has been discussing diversity lately. Diversity is on of the most pressing issues to ensure parks remain relevant. You can not examine diversity in parks without coming across the name Jose Gonzalez. Jose is the founder of Latino Outdoors. Jose founded Latino Outdoors to connect leadership, culture, and communities with conservation, nature, and […]
Discussing Diversity in Parks
You may find this episode uncomfortable. I am fine with that. John Griffith will call you out. Our parks are not just for white guys in fleece jackets. You would have that impression though if you visited most of our national our state parks. Park Rangers are not a diverse group. Neither are park visitors, […]
Developing Leaders in Your Park
Jack Hartt is Park Manager of Deception Pass State Park. Deception Pass is considered to be the flagship park of Washington State, and many consider Jack to be the flagship Ranger. He has inspired or trained many Rangers who went on to become Park Managers or Assistant Managers. Jack has been manager at Deception Pass […]
Don’t Let the Park Define You with Bill Overby
Bill Overby is Commander of the Parks Law Enforcement Academy at Skagit Valley College in Mount Vernon, WA. He was a Park Ranger with Washington State Parks for 32 years, including 20 years as manager of Deception Pass State Park. Commander Overby recommends you don’t let the park define you, even as you give your […]
Happen to Your Career with Scott Barlow and Mark Sieverkropp
Scott Barlow is a Human Resources Manager with a company in Washington State. He is also a career coach and founder of Happen To Your Career. Mark Sieverkropp is an author, entrepreneur, consultant, and speaker. Together at Happen To Your Career, they help connect people with the work they love. Talking with Scott and Mark gives […]
The Value of Experience with Eric Watilo
Eric Watilo is a Region Manager with Washington State Parks. After fifteen years in the field as a Park Manager and Park Manager, Eric has spent the past sixteen years in a Region Headquarters. As a Region Manager, Eric works directly with many Park Managers. He is familiar with the issues most Park Managers struggle […]
Parks are the Soul of a Community with Rex Derr
Rex Derr is the former director of Washington State Parks. Rex says his career in Parks was glorious and feels parks are the soul of a community. Rex was the architect and main cheerleader of Washington State Park’s Centennial 2013 plan. This plan built excitement and prepared Washington State Parks to celebrate the park system’s […]
Feeling the Pulse of a Park – Chris Guidotti
Chris Guidotti is the manager of Riverside State Park in Spokane, WA. Ranger Guidotti has lead his park and staff to find new ways to create revenue and recreation opportunities for visitors, despite increasing budget pressure to do more with less. He explains some of the ways a new manager can find the […]