Recruiting and Growing the New Gen Maintenance Professional
Capturing the attention of today’s tech-savvy, socially conscious youth requires reimagining not just the services we provide but also how we present, recruit, and inspire. Thoughtful maintenance, intentional recruitment, and personal development can transform not only the spaces we manage but also the people who make it all happen.
- Learn how to overcome the maintenance stereotype.
- Learn how to appeal to a generation that increasingly relies on devices for stimulus and guidance.
- Learn how to engage new professionals in ways that create a lasting passion for service and parks.
Includes: .1 CEUs
Additional Course Information:
Speakers:
Thomas White, Deputy Administrator, Henry Co Parks and Recreation
Bryan Dixon, Deputy Administrator, Henry Co Parks and Recreation
About Bryan: Bryan Dixon has dedicated more than 19 years to Henry County Parks & Recreation, rising from his first role cleaning restrooms and running a weed eater to his current position as Deputy Administrator. Over the years, he has held multiple leadership roles, including Golf Course Superintendent, where he developed advanced expertise in turf science, irrigation, and environmental management. He is a Certified Parks and Recreation Professional (CPRP), Certified Pool Operator (CPO), and Certified Sports Field Manager (CSFM). Bryan also helps lead the “Watering Can” mentorship program, where he has shaped its focus on developing technical skills for the next generation of parks professionals.
About Thomas: Thomas White has nineteen years of experience in state and local government. He is currently Deputy Administrator of Recreation Services for Henry County Parks and Recreation, where he oversees 120 team members, four recreation centers, a tennis center, and a classroom facility. He is also a member of the Georgia Recreation and Parks Association Board of Trustees and serves as GRPA District 6 Commissioner. He has appeared on multiple podcasts, regularly speaks at conferences and workshops, and writes for the GRPA and NRPA magazines. Thomas has Bachelor of Science in Political Science from Troy University, where he graduated magna cum laude, and a Master of Public Administration from Georgia College and State University, where he won the Malcolm Moore Award for exceptional academic research.
If you have any questions or concerns, please contact the KRPA office at 785-235-6533 or jamie@krpa.org.
KRPA Event Policy:
No Refunds: Please note that all registrations are non-refundable. We regret that we cannot offer refunds for any cancellations.
Substitutions: We do allow substitutions. If you are unable to attend the event, you may transfer your registration to another person. Please notify us of any substitutions at least 48 hours prior to the event.
Registration Fees: All registration fees must be paid in full within 30 days of registration. Failure to pay within this timeframe may result in the cancellation of your registration.
Commercial Vendor Workshop Attendance
The Kansas Recreation and Parks Association (KRPA) values the contributions and engagement of our commercial partners. To maintain a professional environment that supports both educational and networking opportunities for our members and sponsors, KRPA has established the following policy regarding commercial vendors attending workshops and events:
Policy Overview: Commercial vendors may not register or participate as general workshop attendees unless they are sponsoring the specific event in question. This policy ensures that the presence of commercial entities at KRPA events is aligned with their purpose of networking and building relationships within a professional context, while respecting the intent of these events as learning opportunities for non-commercial attendees.
Commercial Vendor Definition: According to the KRPA bylaws Commercial Vendor is defined as: Individuals, organizations, companies, or business firms selling products or services to recreation, park, conservation, and leisure service agencies.
Exclusions: Commercial vendors may register and participate in these certification programs as general attendees. These courses are designed to provide specialized training and a certification from the National Recreation and Park Association. We understand the need of vendors may have to receive these certifications.
