President
Sabrina Best, CPRP
Deputy Director, Brunswick Parks & Recreation
sbest@brunswickme.org
Tell us why you want to serve on the Board of Directors
For the past 4 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. I would like to continue supporting my fellow colleagues 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
My priority will be to focus on youth sports and programming impacted by the pandemic and assist with educating, advocating and connecting through our journey back to normal.
Summarize your previous service to MRPA
Secretary on the MRPA Board – 2018 to present
MRPA State Hot Shot Coordinator – 2008 to 2013
Vice President
Nicole Welch, CPRP
Recreation Director, City of Lewiston
nwelch@lewistonmaine.gov
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-Current
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Treasurer
Karyn MacNeill, CPRP
Director, Yarmouth Parks, Recreation, and Community Services
kmacneill@yarmouth.me.us
Tell us why you want to serve on the Board of Directors
To participate in the promotion and advancement of our profession; to provide a short, recent history of MRPA; 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 subcommitee member, State-side legislative Advocacy member, Golf Tourney subcommittee member.
Secretary
Shannon Rogers
Assistant Director Berwick Recreation
srogers@berwickmaine.org
Why do you want to serve on the MRPA Board of Directors?
I would love to become more involved with MRPA. I am looking to grow and thrive through Parks and Recreation. I have always loved meeting new people and working with a wide and diverse group. I love to dream, build and execute events, meetings and conferences. I am a person that will always take a task as a challenge and won’t stop the planning and developing until it’s finished and presented.
In your view, what is the primary purpose of the association?
I believe that the primary purpose of MRPA is growth. We are here to expand and grow our recreation departments throughout the state and country, whether its through the littlest of the littles or the oldest of the older adult generation. We all strive for acceptance and success and with the help of MRPA, we can do this one professional at a time.
If elected, how would you help support that purpose?
If I was lucky enough to become a part of the MRPA board, I would help to develop and support new and old programs. I would also be in someone’s corner if they had a dream of seeing a new program come to life. The more members and professionals that we can support and help grow would mean the more communities and community members that we have the ability to serve.
Please describe your past experience or involvement with MRPA. For example, committee involvement, membership, attendance at special events, conferences, training, etc.
Being new to the Parks and Recreation group, I struggled at first to see where I needed to be and where I was possibly meant to be. I reached out to Deb simply with a how can I help? How can I be more involved? She simply sent me 2 committees that could use some help and I help with both. I am on the Advocacy Committee and the Spring Conference Committee. Although I haven’t helped with both long, I can tell that the work they are doing and planning is great for our state. I have also attended the last 2 NRPA conferences in Phoenix and Dallas. I have also attended the Fall MRPA conference in 2023.
Southern Maine Rep
Anthony Dahms
Director, Gray Recreation
adahms@graymaine.org
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.
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.
Eastern Maine Rep
Meghan Mazzella
Parks & Recreation Manager, Orono
mmazzella@orono.org
Tell us why you want to serve on the Board of Directors
I would like to serve on the board to support the MRPA community. The board is responsible for keeping the organization moving forward and dynamic. I would be eager to join this group that has such a positive influence on the professional development of the parks and recreation profession.
Tell us what your priorities would be if elected
My priorities would be focusing on the relationships MRPA creates. Having strong relationships between members will allow us to grow as individuals. We can bring the new ideas, feedback, and, education MRPA can provide back to our towns and allow us to create memorable experiences within our communities. In addition to strengthening our existing community, I think it is important for MRPA to continue to expand to reach new members and business partnerships alike.
Summarize your previous service to MRPA
Spring Conference Planning Board 2022, 2023
Northern Maine Rep
Hillary Hallett
Director, Easton Recreation
recreation@eastonme.com
Tell us why you want to serve on the Board of Directors
Serving on the Board has granted me the opportunity to promote and be a voice for Northern Maine and our small communities recreation departments. It is so important to promote the work being done by for our towns and cities throughout the entire state!
Tell us what your priorities would be if elected
Continuing to serve voice for northern Maine departments and encourage involvement with Maine Recreation and Parks.
Summarize your previous service to MRPA
NMCRA Representative 2016-2021
Currently serving as co-coordinator Northern Maine Hot Shots State event.
State Hot Shot coordinator 2017-2019.
Treasurer of NMCRA 2015-current.
Secretary of NMCRA 2010-2014.
Diversity, Equality, Inclusion Rep
Gail Platts
Scarborough Community Services
Active Adults Program Coordinator
gplatts@scarboroughmaine.org
Why do you want to serve on the MRPA Board of Directors?
I would like to continue to do the work we have been doing on the board of directors.
In your view, what is the primary purpose of the association?
I believe the purpose of the Maine Recreation and Park Association (MRPA) is to build community among parks and recreation professionals and serve as an advocate, and as a resource, for individuals and departments responsible for delivering parks and recreation services.
If elected, how would you help support that purpose?
I want to continue to work on DEI initiatives, so that people in our agencies and in our communities feel seen and feel welcome. I hope to be able to continue share what I continue to learn through my DEI work and education.
Please describe your past experience or involvement with MRPA. For example, committee involvement, membership, attendance at special events, conferences, training, etc.
• I have served on the conference planning committee, served as a room host, and I assisted in recruiting DEI speakers for the conference.
• I am offering a session on Planning Activities for Older Adults at this year’s MRPA conference.
• Currently serve on the DEI Committee and assist with planning and facilitating our DEI Conversation learning sessions.
• Served as the DEI representative on the MRPA Board for 2023
At Large (3 Members)
Gary Colello, CPRP
Director, Bridgton Recreation
gcolello@bridgtonmaine.org
Tell us why you want to serve on the Board of Directors
I think it is important to give back to the profession and advocate for its important role Parks and Recreation play in each community.
Tell us what your priorities would be if elected
I want to learn about the various creative ways parks and recreation professionals manage, create, and develop programs while helping to bridge the gaps between seasoned and new professionals. Ultimately I would like to help members of MPRA and our profession reach its highest potential and advocate for the importance of the role Parks and Recreation plays in community health and economic development.
Summarize your previous service to MRPA
I have was the Chair of the Fall Workshop for 2020 and 2021. I have served on the Board of Directors for the first time in 2021-22.
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Anth
ony Johnson, CPRP
Deputy Director of Recreation, South Portland Parks, Recreation & Waterfront
ajohnson@southportland.org
Tell us why you want to serve on the Board of Directors
To continue to help promote the field of Parks & Recreation in the state of Maine. MRPA has helped me both personally and professionally throughout my career and I feel that it’s time to give back to an organization that has given so much to me, and many others in the field over the years. Hopefully my experience and passion for Parks & Recreation will benefit the board and help shape the future of MRPA.
Tell us what your priorities would be if elected
To be an advocate for Recreation, to help promote the image of MRPA, and to assist with events and programs that benefit young professionals in the field such as our annual golf tournament.
Summarize your previous service to MRPA
2019 – 2021 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
Deputy Director, Portland Parks, Recreation and Facilities Department
aoc@portlandmaine.gov
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
Parliamentarian
Doug Beck, CPRP
Outdoor Recreation Supervisor, Maine Bureau of Parks & Lands
doug.beck@maine.gov
Tell us why you want to serve on the Board of Directors
My intention in serving on the board is to continue to work with fellow board and association members to improve the status of the parks and recreation field. In particular my goal is to work to raise parks and recreation service delivery as an “essential service” at every level – Municipal, State, Federal.
Tell us what your priorities would be if elected
As the current president of the National Association of State Outdoor Recreation Liaison Officers (NASORLO) my priority will be to connect MRPA, with NASORLO and NRPA in rolling out NASORLO’s Grass Roots Information Program (GRIP). This program is designed as an advocacy toolkit for state P&R associations and local department directors to easily interact with elected officials and communicate the value of the services they provide to communities, and the value of the Land and Water Conservation Fund and other funding programs in assisting their work to improve the lives of people in their communities.
In addition to this, as parliamentarian, I will endeavor to aid fellow board members in proper protocols when enacting board and association business.
Summarize your previous service to MRPA
My service to this fine association of professionals began in the late eighties or early nineties. Over the years I have served as an association committee member and chair or co-chair (legislative, conference, fall workshop, etc.,), board member, vice president, president, executive director and for the past eight+ years as parliamentarian if that is even possible.
Citizen Board Rep
Alan Grady
Regional Sales Representative, Musco Lighting
alan.grady@musco.com
Tell us why you want to serve on the Board of Directors
I feel my experience as a past parks and recreation director and now vendor dealing with numerous schools and municipalities can be impactful for the board.
Tell us what your priorities would be if elected
Continue to evaluate the boards goals/master plan, advocate for fundraising, help with Bonneyman golf tournament.
Summarize your previous service to MRPA
2 years as citizen rep
1 year as SMART rep