In this episode, Anthony Iracki, the professional development manager at Playcore, discusses his career in parks and recreation and how it intersects with outdoor recreation. He shares with podcast host Candace Brendler his journey from working in local parks and recreation departments to his current role in professional development. Anthony emphasizes the importance of starting at the local level, such as internships or volunteer opportunities, to gain experience and understanding of land management and programming. He also highlights the diverse range of positions available in parks and recreation, from programming to conservation to community outreach. Anthony encourages individuals to explore opportunities in their own communities and build relationships with local agencies and organizations. He also discusses the competitive nature of the field and the varying salaries, but emphasizes the value of working in a field that aligns with one's passion. Anthony concludes by emphasizing the importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion in parks and recreation, and the role of parks in bringing communities together.

About Anthony

As an experienced Professional Development Manager, Anthony Iracki is dedicated to making a positive impact in the park and recreation industry. Based in Michigan, he's passionate about promoting equity, innovative programming, and community engagement.

Anthony empowers professionals and organizations with cutting-edge education and training solutions, driving results and inspiring success. His proven track record of contributions to the growth and development of park and recreation professionals and agencies is a testament to his expertise and commitment to the industry.

Anthony is a highly regarded speaker and writer in the park and recreation industry. He has spoken at numerous state and national conferences, sharing his expertise and innovative ideas. His writings have been published in state and national publications, showcasing his commitment to advancing the field.

Anthony's impactful contributions as a speaker and writer have solidified his reputation as a thought leader, expanding his network within the industry and inspiring professionals nationwide. His multi-award-winning career includes the:

• 2020 NRPA Robert W. Crawford Young Professional of The Year Award
• 2020 Ferris State University Alumni Pacesetter
• 2019 American Academy for Park and Recreation Administration Externship
• 2018 WPRA Recreation Section Young Professional of The Year Award
• 2017 WPRA Presidents Award
• 2016 NRPA Young Professional Fellowship
• 2008 YMCA of The Capital Area Director of The Year Award

Resources

1. https://anthonyinparks.com/
2. https://www.instagram.com/anthonyinparks
3. https://www.linkedin.com/in/anthonyiracki/
4. https://www.playcore.com/
5. https://education.playcore.com/
6. https://kromercountry.com/
7. https://kromercountry.com/2024/04/25/when-is-a-hat-more-than-just-a-hat/
8. https://kromercountry.com/2024/02/15/breaking-barriers-embracing-inclusivity-in-nature/
9. https://kromercountry.com/2023/10/19/healing-through-nature/
10. https://kromercountry.com/2023/07/24/top-michigan-parks-trails/

In this episode, Jeannette Stawski interviews Aaron Leonard about the Center for Veterans Employment in the Outdoors (CVEO). Aaron shares his background in the outdoor adventure and experiential education field and how he ended up working with Guardian Revival, an organization focused on the health and wellbeing of veterans and first responders. He explains that CVEO aims to connect service members transitioning out of the military with opportunities to work in the outdoor field or pursue education and certifications related to outdoor employment. The conversation also covers the need for purposeful recruiting of veterans in the outdoor industry and the current status of CVEO, including plans to build a website and seek funding.

Meet Aaron

Aaron Leonard, a retired U.S. Army officer with over 35 years of small team and organizational leadership experience, is at the forefront of developing therapeutic outdoor adventure programs for the well-being of our Guardians—military service members, veterans, and first responders. As the Program Executive Director with Another Summit at Guardian Revival, Aaron leads a dedicated team supporting Guardians in New York's Hudson Valley. He is also the founder and chair of the New York Outdoor Rx Coalition, representing nearly 160 New York-based organizations. Aaron is a leading expert in nature-based therapeutic outdoor adventures, dedicating his time and energy to helping others. He holds graduate degrees in Communications from Park University and Outdoor Education and Leadership from Prescott College. His most recent research article, "Barriers For Veterans Accessing Outdoor Programming: An Examination of Website Representation,” was published in January 2024 in the Journal of Experiential Education.

Resources

• Center for Veteran Careers in the Outdoors (CVEO) [https://veteranoutdoorjobs.org/]

Join us as podcast host and AORE Executive Director Jeannette Stawski interviews Maribel Castañeda about the Confluence of States, a bipartisan network of state leaders advancing the outdoor recreation industry. Maribel discusses her role as the manager for the Confluence and her love for the outdoors.

Jeannette and Maribel talk about the creation of the Confluence and the accords that outline the five pillars of their work: conservation and stewardship, education and workforce training, economic development, public health and wellness, and opportunity and experience. They discuss the challenges and obstacles in the outdoor recreation industry, including sustainability and shared stewardship. Maribel shares resources and encourages listeners to get connected with the Confluence of States.

Meet Maribel:

Maribel Castañeda is the Manager for the Confluence of States, a bipartisan network of state leaders advancing our outdoor economy through a collective voice. She is a passionate coalition builder with over a decade of experience in local and state government working in areas such as education, community development, board organization, and constituent engagement. She previously served as the Director of Appointments and Director of Latino Outreach for Governor Northam. Maribel is an avid outdoors enthusiast from Harrisonburg, Virginia and grew up exploring the natural beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains. She loves camping, hiking, and running.

Resources:

• Visit the Confluence of States website: https://www.confluenceofstates.com/