Building the Future: Celebrating Our Latest Leadership Training Institute Graduates
It was a privilege to witness the passion and growth of our latest class of graduates at the Leadership Training Institute. This year’s cohort brought together a vibrant group of professionals from every corner of the Commonwealth, representing a wide array of localities including Fredericksburg, Loudoun County, Fluvanna County, Danville, Staunton, York County, Reston, James City County, Spotsylvania, Charlottesville, Prince William County, Fairfax County, Ashland, Montgomery County, and Virginia Beach.
Over several intensive days, these attendees stepped away from their daily operations to invest in their professional development and the future of their communities. The curriculum was designed to push boundaries, focusing on trust, adaptability, and the essential skills required to lead in an ever-changing landscape.
Seeing such a diverse group of professionals engage with one another reminds me why this industry is so special. I have never seen a group more focused on building genuine, lasting bonds. The level of connectedness I observed over the course of the institute was truly inspiring, and that positive energy was palpable in every session. From collaborative activities to deep-dive group discussions, the spirit of camaraderie was the foundation of the entire experience.
Our speakers provided incredible insights that challenged and empowered our attendees. We were honored to learn from Aaron Combs of James Madison University, Jason Bookheimer from Danville Parks & Recreation, and Lori Hoffner of Supporting Community, Inc. Additionally, Luca Twohie and Tameca Brown from the Fairfax County Park Authority led vital sessions on building stronger teams and thriving as a leader. Their collective expertise, combined with the participants' eagerness to learn, created an environment that I am confident will shape the future of our profession.
When I look at this graduating class, I am incredibly optimistic about the road ahead. This institute is not just about completing a curriculum; it represents a commitment to the next generation of excellence in our field. By investing in these leaders today, we are ensuring that the future of recreation and parks leadership in Virginia is innovative, resilient, and ready to serve our communities with distinction.
We could not have provided this caliber of experience without the support of our dedicated partners. We extend a sincere thank you to our sponsors—Cunningham Recreation, Musco Lighting, Sparks@Play, and Xplor Recreation—for their investment in our members and for making this event possible.
