Board members will be voted on at the Annual Meeting on March 20th, 2023
President
Nicole Welch, CPRP
Recreation Director, City of Lewiston
Tell us why you want to serve on the Board of Directors
I have had the pleasure of watching and helping the Maine Recreation and Park Association change and adapt over the years, providing support to our members in whatever capacity is needed. Networking with like-minded colleagues from around the state, while also working to promote the industry, has been personally and professionally rewarding. I enjoy giving back to an association that has guided me towards new opportunities.
Tell us what your priorities would be if elected
There are so many passionate professionals around the state, all of us working towards similar goals. The work that MRPA does to connect, educate, and advocate for its membership is important now, and in the future. As President, I will continue to support the Board of Directors in its goals and help guide the association into the next year. I will also focus on promoting leadership opportunities on committees and projects to ensure that those professionals who want to become more involved in MRPA, have the supportive outlet to do so. Encouraging members to find their role in the organization will increase statewide connectivity, promote personal growth, and ensure that the parks and recreation industry continues to grow across the state.
Summarize your previous service to MRPA
Fall Workshop: 2014 to 2019, Chair 2017-2018
Annual Spring Conference Committee: Speaker Chair from 2015 to 2019, Conference Chair 2020-Current
MRPA Board Member: At Large 2018 to 2020, Vice President 2021-2022, President 2022-Current
Vice President
Tyler Stewart, CYSA
Recreation Programmer, Old Orchard Beach Recreation
Tell us why you want to serve on the Board of Directors
MRPA continues to provide me opportunities to seek growth by being part of committees, organizing special events, and to help lead the organization by being on the board of directors. The lessons learned, support, feedback, and connections with members of MRPA will continue to be valuable to me and my community. I feel it is important to that I do my best to give back to the association, the local departments, and all the members who serve the communities in Maine.
Tell us what your priorities would be if elected
Every year new priorities and tasks are laid upon us. Last year we laid the groundwork for growth of the organization by updating our strategic plan and operations manual. The work completed this year continues to follow those plans to improve our organization for future members. I want to work to continue that momentum, increase membership amongst recreation professionals/commercial members, and grow our youth sports committee to the provide much needed guidance to recreation departments during a time when AAU sports are growing.
Summarize your previous service to MRPA
– Executive Board Member 2018 – Current
– MLB Pitch, Hit, Run Chair 2014 – 2019
– Fall Workshop Committee 2019 – Current
– Advocacy Committee 2020 – 2022
– Bill Bonnyman Golf Tournament Chair 2020 – Current
– Youth Sports Committee Chair 2020 – Current
– Spring Conference Vendor Chair 2021 – Current
Treasurer
Karyn MacNeill, CPRP
Director, Yarmouth Parks, Recreation, and Community Services
Tell us why you want to serve on the Board of Directors
To participate in the promotion and advancement of our profession; to provide 11 years of recent history of MRPA Board conversations; and to give back to our professional association.
Tell us what your priorities would be if elected
To contribute to the development of MRPA professionals who want to advance their work and succeed at their positions. I believe MRPA should provide educational sessions and opportunities, professional resources and networks, and be responsive to the changing parks and recreation needs.
Summarize your previous service to MRPA
Current MRPA Treasurer, MRPA President, Vice-President, At-Large BOD member, Annual Conference Chair, Fall Workshop subcommittee member, Advocacy subcommittee member, State-side legislative Advocacy member, Golf Tourney subcommittee member, Masterminds roundtable participant, one of many in this great team of people.
Secretary
Sabrina Best, CPRP
Deputy Director, Brunswick Parks & Recreation
Tell us why you want to serve on the Board of Directors
For the past 5 years I have been able to serve on the MRPA Board and have enjoyed learning the history while developing the future vision of the Board. As we all look to climb out of the pandemics impact on our facilities, programming, budgets and policies I would like to be an advocate in creating sustainable practices and resources for all.
I would like to continue supporting my fellow collogues from around the State and be part of the State board leading the way for our profession. I would love to continue with the work and relationships I’ve been able to make over the years and moving MRPA forward showcasing Parks and Recreation as an essential service to the communities we serve.
Tell us what your priorities would be if elected
I am looking forward to continuing my efforts with the Youth Sports Committee and help promote the use of the Russell Packet Scholarship. The board recent work with updating the by-laws and operations manual are other areas I would like to continue working on this upcoming term.
Summarize your previous service to MRPA
Secretary on the MRPA Board – 2018 to present
MRPA State Hot Shot Coordinator – 2008 to 2013
SMART Rep
Anthony Dahms
Director, Gray Recreation
Tell us why you want to serve on the Board of Directors
I’ve thought about serving in the past to help the organization, broaden my professional network, and sharpening my board work skills. Jen D. guilted me into finally applying.
Tell us what your priorities would be if elected
I’m interested in learning about MRPAs advocacy opportunities. Specifically, looking at the landscape of childcare and how much of a crisis we have in Maine. All state opportunities in regards to funding are primarily reserved for licensed facilities, while a gigantic burden in terms of after school and summer camps is lifted annually by recreation departments. These state opportunities haven’t done much to practically expand childcare, it’s my belief that by investing in local recreation departments, we can make impactful strides in increasing childcare spots across the state. Also regional organizational support for the SMART network.
Summarize your previous service to MRPA
I’ve been a member for many years through Westbrook Recreation and now Gray Recreation. This year we hosted a SMART meeting and provided the materials/content for that meeting. I’ll be co-presenting at the annual conference this year.
EMPRA Rep
Meghan Mazzella
Parks & Recreation Manager, Orono
Tell us why you want to serve on the Board of Directors
After only being a part of this board for a year I do not feel I am ready to leave this group yet. I have learned about the how this board functions and the work involved to be a part of it. Think the recent discussions that have happened at the board level are important and will be impactful for communities across the state and I am eager to continue to be a part of it.
Tell us what your priorities would be if elected
My priorities would be continuing to work with the board on state-level issues to make MRPA supportive of every Recreation Department in Maine. I would also be looking at continuing to reinvigorate the EMPRA region to allow this group to make better connections with each other as well as MRPA.
Summarize your previous service to MRPA
EMPRA Rep. 2022
Spring Conference 2023
Spring Conference Committee 2022
NMCRA Rep
Hillary Hallett
Director, Easton Recreation
Tell us why you want to serve on the Board of Directors
Serving on the Board has allowed me the opportunity to promote and be a voice for Northern Maine and our small community departments. It is important to promote the work being accomplished in town and cities throughout our vast state.
Tell us what your priorities would be if elected
Continue to be a sounding board for Northern Maine departments and encourage involvement with MRPA!
Summarize your previous service to MRPA
NMCRA BOD Representative 2016-2022
Co-coordinator for Northern Maine Hot Shots 2020-2022
State Hot Shot coordinator 2017-2019
Treasurer of NMCRA 2015-current
Secretary of NMCRA 2010-2014
At Large (3 Members)
Dana Delahanty, CPRP
Assistant Director, Bath Parks and Recreation Department
Tell us why you want to serve on the Board of Directors
The opportunity to be a part of the MRPA Board of Directors will allow me to develop and build professional relationship in the profession that we all love. Being a member of the Fall workshop committee, I was able to see another side of the organization and how much it benefits and supports its members. I would like to share thoughts and ideas with the Board and advocate for Parks and Recreation in all communities.
Tell us what your priorities would be if elected
Promote and advocate for Parks and Recreation in the great state of Maine. Letting people know what MRPA has to offer and what is happening in our organization in an efficient manner.
Summarize your previous service to MRPA
MRPA Fall Workshop Committee- 3 years
MRPA at Large Board Member- 1 year
Certified Park and Recreation Professional
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Gary Colello, CPRP
Director, Bridgton Recreation
Tell us why you want to serve on the Board of Directors
I want to be able to advocate for the Parks and Recreation Profession. I would like to give back to MERPA for the opportunities its created for me.
Tell us what your priorities would be if elected
I would like to help develop and support more educational opportunities as well as advocate for Parks and Recreation profession and MERPA.
Summarize your previous service to MRPA
I have served on the Board for 2 years. I have been the chair of the Fall Workshop and the Scholarship Committee for 2 years.
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Anth
ony Johnson, CPRP
Deputy Director of Recreation, South Portland Parks, Recreation & Waterfront
Tell us why you want to serve on the Board of Directors
To continue to help give back to an association that is so important to moving the profession of Parks & Recreation forward in the state.
Tell us what your priorities would be if elected
To help increase our commercial and professional membership throughout the state, to assist with the growth of our annual golf tournament, to help promote the utilization of our scholarship funds and to help young professionals in their parks and recreation careers.
Summarize your previous service to MRPA
2022 – Present – MRPA At Large Board Member.
2019 – 2022 Bill Bonnyman Golf Tournament Volunteer
2012 – 2016 Spring Conference Vendor Chair
2010 – 2014 Aquafina Pitch, Hit & Run State Coordinator
2010 – 2011 Spring Conference Planning Committee
2009 – 2010 Fundraising Volunteer, Bill Bonnyman Annual Golf Tournament Fundraiser
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Angela O’Connor, CPRP
Assistant Recreation Director, Portland Parks, Recreation & Facilities
Tell us why you want to serve on the Board of Directors
Over the past several years, I have had the opportunity to lead rural and urban parks and recreation departments in Massachusetts and Maine. I would love nothing more than to be able to share my experiences and knowledge with my fellow colleagues in the state that I love.
Tell us what your priorities would be if elected
I believe that one of the priorities would be to help promote and share how important it is to network in our profession. Throughout my career I have utilized networking with my colleagues for numerous programs, projects and events. I have gained networking experiences by participating in workshops, conferences and grants in MERPA, MARPA, NESTMA and NRPA. I believe it is a priority to be able to offer networking opportunities and participation growth to the professionals in our state. As a leader, I am a firm believer that networking is essential for growth and development in our field.
Summarize your previous service to MRPA
-former member of MRPA Annual Spring Conference Committee
-former Chair of the MRPA Annual Spring Conference Committee
-former Presenter for MRPA Sessions at the Annual Spring Conference
-Helped start the Summer Camp Training project during the beginning stages
-Current Member of the DEI Committee & Aquatics Network
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Matt Foster, CPRP
Director, Farmington Parks & Recreation
Tell us why you want to serve on the Board of Directors
As the Director of a small recreation department, I have found quite a bit of value in MRPA, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. With a small staff and big decisions that needed to be made, MRPA gave me connection, value, and resources during a time when I needed it the most. I have profited from the membership over the years, and now would like to give back and assist MRPA in serving other professionals here in Maine.
Tell us what your priorities would be if elected
If elected, I will seek ways that I can support the Board, and the Executive Director. I also have a desire to identifying more ways that MRPA can meet the needs of its members and would put in the necessary time to tackle the important issues we will encounter.
Summarize your previous service to MRPA
At this point, my history of service for MRPA is limited, although I have spent some time on the Advocacy Committee. As I mentioned before, I am interested in increasing my involvement and giving back to help provide quality service to other members through MRPA.
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Mathew Henion
Outdoor Recreation Grants Specialist / Alternate State Liaison Officer, State DACF / Bureau of Parks & Lands / Grants & Community Recreation Program
Tell us why you want to serve on the Board of Directors
I am the new Outdoor Recreation Grants Specialist for the Maine Bureau of Parks & Lands in the Grants and Community Recreation Program. In this role, I manage active Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) projects, working with sponsors to shepherd outdoor recreation acquisition and development projects from concept to conclusion. Mat has a B.S. from the University of Connecticut in Natural Resource Management and received a M.S. from the University of New Hampshire in Recreation Management and Policy. Prior to working for the State of Maine, I was the UConn Outdoor Programs Coordinator, a L.L.Bean Outdoor Discovery School Manager, and a Development Director for a Connecticut-based outdoor adventure summer day camp. For the past three seasons I served as a Recreation Ranger for our Eastern Region Public Lands. I am excited to use my passion and experience in recreation to steward the legacy of Maine LWCF State Liaison Officers having an active role on the MRPA board.
Tell us what your priorities would be if elected
If elected, I would be approaching this responsibility without a personal agenda, but rather with a sense of duty to uphold the MRPA mission and objectives. I truly believe Parks and Recreation Professionals provide an important, no, an essential service to our Maine communities, especially now more than ever.
Summarize your previous service to MRPA
Unfortunately, no previous service to MRPA. I am a New Member as of November 2022. However I have served on the board of my local New England Mountain Biking Association (NEMBA) Penobscot Region Chapter from January 2019 to October 2022, where we worked to maintain relationships with regional public and private land owners (such as the City of Bangor, Bangor & Orono Land Trusts, the University of Maine, etc.) to continue allowing outdoor recreation on their properties, not just mountain bikers, as well as maintain many miles of multi-use trails year-round.
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Alex Marshall
Parks Director, City of Portland
Tell us why you want to serve on the Board of Directors
Improving the quality of life for the community and all our visitors is why I am in this field and have such a passion for my work. As a Parks professional I also believe it is important to give back to the industry and help provide increased and improved opportunities for others in our field. We can all learn from each others experiences and I hope I can provide a valuable perspective to the board. I am excited about the opportunity to make a difference in the State I was born and raised in and fortunately am able to continue with my career.
Tell us what your priorities would be if elected
If I were to be elected to the MRPA Board of Directors, I would first focus my attention on understanding everything the organization provides to Recreation, Parks and Facilities professionals in the state. I would then turn my attention to the overall benefit that MRPA and partner agencies provides to park professionals specifically. Parks are one of the most important amenities to any community as they are low barrier and open to all. It is essential that state initiatives focus heavily on parks as we bounce back from a challenging three years where parks were one of our few safe places and are indispensable to everyone’s mental health and overall quality of life. There are so many wonderful and important aspects of parks that need more love and attention than ever as we transition into a climate change crisis and folks look to be outside enjoying everything that nature provides. I am excited about the opportunity to make a difference in the State I was born and raised in and fortunately am able to continue with my career.
Summarize your previous service to MRPA
N/A
Parliamentarian
VACANT
Citizen Board Rep
Alan Grady
Regional Sales Representative, Musco Lighting
Tell us why you want to serve on the Board of Directors
I’ve really enjoyed being a part of the board the last couple of years. As I continue to learn about the board responsibilities, I feel I have a lot to offer as a prior parks and recreation director and current vendor.
Tell us what your priorities would be if elected
Increase Commercial Membership and Help run the Bill Bonnyman Golf tournament and increase revenue
Summarize your previous service to MRPA
SMART rep
Citizen Board Rep