On this episode of the Park Leaders Show, guest co-host, Phil Gaines, returns to discuss why parks should be financially sufficient. While a complex topic in execution, the bottom line for a park’s financial structure is simple: Each state park should be sufficient to maintain operating expenses including maintenance and personnel. As Phil explains, this […]
Park Ranger
Wisdom From the Oldest Park Ranger in America with Betty Soskin
This episode of the Park Leaders Show felt like I was talking to history. Betty Soskin is the oldest park ranger in the United States. Betty is 93 years old. Yes, that is impressive. But even more impressive is Betty did not become a park ranger until she was 85 years old. Talking with Betty, […]
Communication in Parks Panel Discussion
A common theme from the People of Parks Project has been a frustration with communication between leadership, admin staff, and staff in the field. When I hear the same thing come up often I know we need to lean into it a little bit more. I know this isn’t a problem I could properly address on my […]
Can You Have Fun and Still Be Professional?
For this episode, we invited a guest to return for the first time. Commander Bill Overby joins us to take questions from park rangers in the field. So far, the most listened to episode has been Don’t Let the Park Define You with Commander Bill Overby. I invited Bill back because you like him, and […]
Parks are in the Business of People with Austin Bradley
Former Washington State Parks Director, Rex Derr, told me about the State Parks Leadership School. This School was founded by the National Association of State Park Directors. Upon learning more about the school, I knew anyone who attended would likely be a good guest for the Park Leaders Show. I called a few people who […]
What Will Your Legacy Be? with Richard Rojas, Sr.
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]