Committees

Awards Committee:
Work with a representative of each Branch or focus area, the membership, the President, Board and Council to recognize members quarterly and annually at the State Association Conference. Evaluate and recommend changes to the awards as warranted.

• Annie Sanchez: asanchez@baltimorecountymd.gov
• Christine DiGioia: christine.digioia@gaithersburgmd.gov

Conference Committee:
Planning of the MRPA Annual Conference for professionals, volunteers, board members and vendors from across the state and region. Offer a variety of educational sessions on areas of interest to the parks and recreation profession, networking and acknowledge outstanding accomplishments of both departments and individuals through annual awards.

• Julija Sajauskas: jsajauskas@howardcountymd.gov
• Jordan Perry: jperry@rockvillemd.gov

Corporate Development Committee:
Raise funds for the operation of the Association, including scholarships and employment of paid personnel which may be appointed by the Board of Directors. Works to obtain grants and sponsorships for the benefit of the association.

• Lauren Davis: lauren@mdrpa.org

Finance Committee:
Monitor the long-range financial plan. Prepare periodic (minimum of annual) status reports on the association's investment funds. Work with the executive director to develop specifications for conducting the annual audit/review/compilation and where applicable, interview potential auditors. Meet with accountants to discuss the management letter of the association's fiscal practices. Act as an advisor to the executive director and executive board in financial practices, policies, and procedures.

• Michelle Potter: mpotter@asbury.org

Leadership Institute:
The Leadership Institute is an 8-month program designed to cultivate emerging leaders in recreation and parks. It provides networking, skill-building, and mentorship to help professionals grow into leadership roles. Launched in 2015, it is intended to develop future leaders MRPA.

• April Gibson: april.gibson@pgparks.com
• Dresmond McLaurin: dresmond.mclaurin@pgparks.com

Legislative Committee:
Develop a network and procedures to track and monitor state-wide legislation prior to and during the Maryland General Assembly session. Develops a list of issues and concerns for the upcoming legislative session. Determines strategy for communicating issues to the appropriate parties; maintains a log of pending legislation including a brief description of each bill, its sponsor/s, committee assignment, hearing date and status. Leads discussions during the session to review and develop a course of action and develop and implement testimony strategy for each bill based upon committee consensus.

• Steven Miller: smiller@wicomicocounty.org

Marketing & Communications Committee:
Assist in the promotion of activities of the association including general membership meetings and workshops, training and education programs, the annual conference and distribution of association news through print and electronic media.

• Lauren Davis: lauren@mdrpa.org

Member Engagement and Outreach Committee:
Develop an annual marketing plan, to include a timeline for membership retention and new member recruitment including specific recruitment campaigns and promotions. Foster development of a network and opportunities for "Young Professionals" ages 21-35 to develop as future members of the MRPA leadership. Evaluates membership fees and benefits and recommends changes as warranted. In coordination with the MRPA office review and revise membership information to reflect approved changes.

• Alexandria Wilson: alexandria.wilson@pgparks.com

Operations University:
Operation University’s goal is to develop future operations leaders to gain practical and applicable knowledge to improve operations and advance into leadership positions within their organization to provide successful parks and community services for sustainable, healthy lifestyles. Operations University meets monthly (8) to discuss diverse topics in various locations throughout the State allowing participants to expand their operational knowledge, leadership, and professionalism. Dynamic industry experts will be featured each month with facilitated discussion related to topics relevant to operational success, sustainable practices, leadership, budget, and professional development. Projects and reading materials will be assigned between Operation Universities monthly meetings and collaborative discussions will enrich the participants knowledge to bring innovative practices which can be implemented into departments across the State.

• TBD

Professional Certification Board:
Establishes approval process and approves all CEUs for MRPA educational sessions, including Annual State Conference sessions.

• Kelly Crittenden: kcrittenden@frederickcountymd.gov
• Carolyn Muller: carolyn.muller@gaithersburgmd.gov
• Warren Sharon: warren.sharon@pgparks.com

Professional Learning Communities:
Facilitates Professional Learning Communities (PLCs) and works with members to identify new topic areas. PLCs are opportunities for members to join to discuss hot topics, share best practices, and develop a network of fellow professionals in related positions and areas.

• Jake Hersom: jake.hersom@gaithersburgmd.gov
• Kari Saavedra: ksaavedra@frederickcountymd.gov
• Drew Rittenhouse: drittenhouse@sykesville.net

Professional Standards Committee:
Promotes and encourages professional certification among the membership through active continuing education by recreation and park professionals, volunteers, and citizen advocates.

• TBD

Recreation University:
Recreation University is committed to evaluating educational opportunities by providing entry to mid-level professionals without a formal recreation background by learning foundational knowledge of the field of Recreation, Parks, and all things in between.

• Hydea Harris: hharris@rockvillemd.gov

Retiree Engagement Committee:
The retiree engagement committee is a committee to ensure continued engagement of our retirees who have so much to offer and have been an untapped resource.  This committee will also plan events to bring retirees together for fun activities and events.

• TBD

Scholarship Committee:
Reviews and recommends revisions to establish criteria for scholarships, receives applications through the MRPA office, investigates the merits of each application and make recommendations for the provision of scholarships for individuals who meet the established criteria. Scholarships may be available for training including the MRPA and NRPA annual conferences, the MRPA Leadership Academy, and/or other trainings, certifications, and internships whereby it benefits both the individual and MRPA.

• Alicia Knuppel: alicia.knuppel@montgomeryparks.org

Social Justice/Racial Equity/Inclusion Committee:
The social justice, inclusion, and racial equity initiative reinforces our commitment to be a welcoming community where all our members are treated with respect and dignity and provided with opportunities to succeed. This initiative will establish a Racial Equity and Social Justice Advisory Committee that will include MRPA members.

• Ashley Williams: ashley.williams@dc.gov
• Joseph Hayden: jhayden@frederickcountymd.gov

Summit Committee:
The Summit Committee is responsible for planning and coordinating impactful and relevant summits that support the organization’s mission and member engagement goals. Past and future summit focuses: Women's, Aquatics, ADA & Inclusion, Nature, Tech in Park, Senior, 2SLGBTQIA+

• Terri Hilton: thilton@rockvillemd.gov
• Nancy Pfeffer: nancy.pfeffer@pgparks.com

Training and Education Committee:
Coordinates training opportunities for MRPA members, offering quality training and education options. The committee is comprised of representatives from various disciplines such as Aquatics, Facilities, Parks, Sports, Therapeutic, etc. Promotes professional certification through nationally recognized certifications such as CPRP, CPRE, and aggressively continuing education by recreation and park professionals, volunteers, and citizen advocates. Create educational tracks/modules for various levels of the membership (such as Budget & Finance, Supervision, a Program Summit, Parks Maintenance, etc.)

• Erin Sexton: esexton@frederickcountymd.gov
• Andrea Rogers: arogers@rockvillemd.gov

PARC Branch

RALS Branch

TR Branch