2024 WRPA Election Details
Each year, we welcome new members to the WRPA Board of Directors at the Annual Conference & Tradeshow. The Board of Directors is the governing body of our association and is responsible for the supervision, control, and direction of WRPA. These Board members are elected by you, the members, during an annual election.
The following slate of candidates below has been submitted by the Nominating Committee and approved by the Board of Directors. Now it is your turn to vote. The ballot is open through Friday, April 19, 2024.
Voting Has Ended
Candidates:
- Vice President
- At-Large Director
WRPA Vice President Candidate
The WRPA Vice President serves a four-year term, assisting the President and President-Elect with all association business. They become acquainted with the activities of the corporation and the duties of the President in preparation for assuming the presidency. (The person in this position automatically advances to become WRPA President-Elect and then WRPA President.)
Candidate 1
Christopher Powell, King County Parks
Education:
I’m a proud alumnus of Eastern Washington University, where I graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Recreation Management.
Job History:
Through out my thirteen years of experience working in the Recreation industry, I have operated and facilitated programs at all levels. In that time, I have led diverse teams of staff, volunteers, and have been able to oversee the development of college interns. I have been fortunate in my experiences working both in the public and private sectors to serve communities in Washington State, and Florida. In my most recent years I have gained the privilege of working with the diverse communities of Seattle and King County to form partnerships and draft agreements to create increased opportunities for communities to experience recreation in their local parks, and schools.
WRPA Involvement:
I’m a current WRPA member and participate in the Administration and Facilities/Rentals/Marketing networks. Last year I was able to attend the annual conference in Spokane and was honored with the 2023 WRPA Emerging Professional Award. This year in addition to attending the conference, I get the opportunity to share the experience with my new staff.
Why do you want to serve on the WRPA Board of Directors?:
I would relish the opportunity to serve on the WRPA Board of Directors to bring a fresh perspective to our association, while searching out ways to increase participation, and engagement with our members. In addition to serving our current WRPA members, I am dedicated to finding innovative ways to connect with our University Partners to increase recruitment and participation in the association.
What type of Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging initiatives have you contributed to previously or would you contribute to in the future?:
Throughout my career I have had the opportunity to create and be a part of efforts to create more equitably inclusive spaces for the community to provide a great sense of belonging. One such opportunity was the successful negotiation of the Seattle Parks-Seattle Schools Joint Use Agreement, which provides the community access to hundreds of fields and facilities in Seattle. A crucial equity component to that agreement was the creation of the new equity on fields and in facilities program. To serve the needs of the community both agencies now actively work to support BIPOC & underserved groups through financial assistance, dedicated priority usage, and through a donation option for rental customers to make additional contributions.
An opportunity that I’m currently engaged with is the Healthy Communities and Parks Fund. As a part of the Targeted Equity Grant Program, the fund supports projects that increase access to recreation and use of parks, open spaces, and recreational facilities in underserved areas and communities. This grant program intends to reduce health disparities in various underserved communities and invest in their capacities to meet the unique needs of their residents. Serving on the Tier 1 Review Panel, we are responsible for reviewing incoming proposals to allocate $200,000 of Parks Levy funding to projects with high potential for recreation and open space access and impact.
I’m strongly passionate about creating opportunities for all community members to experience recreation and to get moving in their local environments. Through increased access and programming my desire is to see every community gain equitable access to parks and recreations across the state.
Describe the contributions you feel you can make as a member of the WRPA leadership team:
My vision as a part of the WRPA Leadership team is to take the goals and objectives from the newly updated WRPA Strategic Plan and be a leader in moving the initiatives forward, particularly in the Equity, Inclusion & Belonging components. I strongly support making WRPA more accessible to all professional levels and I’m passionate about finding ways to work with the colleges and universities to connect students to the WRPA.
Candidate 2
Jeff Ozimek, CPRE, City of Poulsbo Parks & Recreation
Education:
- M.S. in Recreation Administration from Aurora University, Illinois
- B.S. in Recreation Management from the University of Montana, Missoula
Job History:
Jeffrey Ozimek has over 20 years of experience in the parks and recreation field working throughout North America. He is currently the Parks & Recreation Director for the City of Poulsbo, Washington. Previously he served as the Director of Recreational Services for PenMet Parks, Senior Parks Operations & Recreation Manager for Friends of Waterfront Seattle, and developed a national award winning outdoor adventure program for Bainbridge Island Metro Parks & Recreation. In 2018, he was honored by National Recreation and Parks Association (NRPA) with the Robert W. Crawford Young Professional Award.
Ozimek is an accredited NRPA Certified Park and Recreation Executive (CPRE), earned a M.S. in Recreation Administration from Aurora University, Illinois, and B.A. in Management from the University of Montana - Missoula. He has directed numerous recreation programs throughout North American, with an emphasis on outdoor experiential education, instructing for Outward Bound, NOLS, and a number college, municipal and state agencies.
WRPA Involvement:
Ozimek has been involved with WRPA since 2010. He Chaired the WRPA Risk Management School 2015-2019, Vice Chaired the Legislative Committee 2019-2020, and has been involved the monthly WRPA Director Meetings. Previously, he presented at WRPA’s Annual Conference, was recognized for his NRPA Robert W. Crawford Young Professional Award as well as a WRPA Spotlight Award for Program Excellence, and his involvement in mentoring young upcoming professionals. He would be honored to serve on WRPA’s board.
Why do you want to serve on the WRPA Board of Directors:
The work we do is meaningful. Our profession improves people’s quality of life, creates lasting positive impacts, and builds community. It’s essential we continue the good work of the giants in our profession with a focus not only on growing our professional membership, but by providing equitable resources to educate our young professionals. This includes identifying and reducing barriers they are encountering, providing mentorship and leadership opportunities for them to grow, and more actively engaging our state leaders with the needs our local communities have.
What type of Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging initiatives have you contributed to previously or would you contribute to in the future?:
Ozimek is incredibly proud of a recent 2024 initiative creating a Recreation for All Assistance Program (RAAP) with a non-profit partner, providing financial assistance to anyone – regardless of age or ability – who would like to enroll for a recreation program. Recreation programs promote physical, mental and social well-being, enriching everyone's quality of life. Through these programs, friendships grow, life skills are learned, and healthy community connections are formed. The RAAP is intended to offer community members of all ages and abilities the opportunity to participate in diverse and high-quality recreation programs when financial hardships may prevent the ability to pay for the program fees. He is looking forward to sharing this approach at a future conference to help others seeking to implement a similar program in their own community.
While in Seattle, Ozimek developed an ecosystem of supportive partnerships representing city agencies, businesses, residents, tribal partners, and underserved communities to better develop safe welcoming spaces for all community members. This ecosystem is still going strong today along Seattle’s Waterfront.
Earlier in his career, he worked with numerous “at risk” youth organizations to break down barriers and empower youth them to believe in themselves through sailing, backpacking, trail work, environmental science, leadership, and teamwork. The impact of seeing those outstanding young adults transform into who they wanted – and could become - left a deep impression on him and firmly cemented his belief that we need to do more to work with our disadvantaged / at-risk youth.
Describe the contributions you feel you can make as a member of the WRPA leadership team:
Building strong lasting collaborations, such as public/private partnerships, internship programs for new professionals, and joint initiatives with other industry stakeholders – especially the outdoor and environmental industries - is one of Ozimek’s core strengths. He would like to further the good work WRPA has conducted in offering mentorship/internship courses for members and increased networking where a colleague can simply pick up a phone or send off an email with a question to a problem they are encountering and receive guidance from their peers. It’s these types of individual assistance items that foster relationships and help all members realize the value in reaching out to one another, attending a training, or presenting at a conference.
Together, we are stronger and have great leverage to enact the changes needed to better serve our communities, educate and elevate our Parks & Recreation professionals, and make lasting impact to our environment.
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WRPA At-Large Director
Candidate 1
Paul Joseph Giordano, Giordano Restorations
Education:
- BA UC Berkeley, Business & Computer Science
- MBA Golden Gate University
Job History:
- 30 years Technology Product Management
- 10 years Technology Sales
WRPA Involvement:
- Have volunteered on several projects including the Dream Playground.
Why do you want to serve on the WRPA Board of Directors:
- I believe that Parks and open space in general, are an integral part of life’s great cycle. Parks offer peace, tranquility and an opportunity to commune with the great mystery that informs all living things.
What type of Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging initiatives have you contributed to previously or would you contribute to in the future?:
- I believe in the sanctity of individual choice. All individuals have the right to choose what is important to them. This principle guides my behavior.
Describe the contributions you feel you can make as a member of the WRPA leadership team:
- Preserve, protect, and continue to grow and improve our natural open spaces.
Candidate 2
Brandyn Winkley, City of Maple Valley Parks & Recreation
Education:
The education I have achieved would be an Associates of Arts and a Bachelor’s degree in Youth and Family Ministry. Additionally, I have recently completed The Resource Management School that is in Port Townsend.
Job History:
I have had the privilege of working in the Parks maintenance department for the past 9 years. During this time, I have gained valuable experience and knowledge in ensuring that the parks stay safe, clean, and looking great.
For the first 7 years of my career, I had the opportunity to work in Kirkland. Here, I honed my skills in maintaining the various park facilities. I was responsible for tasks such as ball field maintenance, mowing, trimming, and fertilizing the grass, as well as repairing and maintaining park amenities. Additionally, I worked closely with a team to ensure the safety and cleanliness of the parks, ensuring that visitors had a pleasant experience.
After my time in Kirkland, I have spent the next 2 years working in Maple Valley. This experience allowed me to expand my knowledge and expertise in park maintenance. I was involved in various projects, such as planting and maintaining flower beds, pruning trees and shrubs, and implementing irrigation systems to ensure the health and vitality of the park's greenery. I also had the opportunity to collaborate with other departments to organize community events and improve the overall park experience for residents.
Throughout my job history, I have developed strong attention to detail, excellent problem-solving skills, and the ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a team. I am dedicated to creating and maintaining beautiful and functional parks that enhance the quality of life for the community.
WRPA Involvement:
While my involvement with the WRPA (Washington Recreation and Park Association) has been limited, I am a certified playground safety inspector. This certification reflects my commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of individuals using our parks.
As a certified playground safety inspector, I have undergone specialized training to identify potential hazards and assess the safety of playground equipment. I am well-versed in industry standards, regulations, and best practices for playground safety. This expertise allows me to effectively evaluate playgrounds, identify potential risks, and make recommendations to mitigate those risks.
While my involvement with the WRPA may be limited at this time, my dedication to promoting safe playgrounds aligns with the association's mission to advance the field of recreation and parks. I am committed to ensure that the playgrounds are safe for the community and that everyone can enjoy recreational spaces with peace of mind.
Although my involvement with the WRPA may not extend beyond my role as a certified playground safety inspector, I remain passionate about contributing to the overall well-being and enjoyment of individuals in recreational settings.
Why do you want to serve on the WRPA Board of Directors?
My desire to serve on the WRPA stems from a genuine passion for advancing my career, building a robust professional network, giving back to the community, and staying informed about industry developments. By actively participating in the association, I hope to contribute my skills, learn from others, and collaborate towards the collective goal of creating exceptional recreational experiences for individuals of all ages and backgrounds.
Please describe the contributions you feel you can make as a member of the WRPA Leadership Team.
As a member of the WRPA Leadership Team, I would bring a unique perspective, a strong passion for community improvement, and a practical understanding of facility maintenance. I would actively contribute to discussions, offer new ideas, and work diligently to help shape the strategic direction and initiatives of the organization. Together, we can create a positive and transformative impact on our community through exceptional recreational services and facilities.
What type of Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging initiatives have you contributed to previously or would you contribute to in the future?
In my current role as the Men's Discipleship Lead in the youth ministry, I have actively contributed to making sure everyone who comes to our church feels welcomed and loved. I believe that creating a welcoming environment for all individuals is essential in fostering personal growth, building strong relationships, and promoting a sense of belonging.
In this capacity, I have been blessed to implement programs and activities that promote good morals, and a sense of belonging to the youth. In addition, I have worked diligently to ensure that all young men feel valued and supported in the ministry. This has involved creating small groups for open dialogue, encouraging mutual respect and understanding, and providing opportunities for personal and spiritual growth for all participants.
Additionally, I have made significant contributions to young men through my involvement as a basketball coach for the Men's C Team at Cedar Park Christian High School. Over the course of seven years, I have witnessed the program's growth and expansion, leading to the addition of a new team. This initiative was driven by a commitment to providing every student with the opportunity to participate in basketball and feel a sense of belonging within the team, regardless of their skill level or prior experience.
By coaching and mentoring the players, I fostered a competitive team culture that celebrates the players progress, encourages teamwork, and values everyone’s contributions. I created an environment where players feel supported, and motivated to reach their full potential. Through intentional coaching strategies and team-building activities, my goal was to make everyone feels valued and respected while seeing that hard work pays off.
Moving forward, I am committed to continuing my contributions to let everyone know they are valuable and have a place where they belong. I recognize the importance of actively seeking opportunities to promote a love that surpasses understanding. That by reaching out to those around me I have a wonderful opportunity to encourage, and influence people in a positive direction. Whether it be in my professional career, community involvement, or personal relationships, I will always strive to reach out to anyone, to welcome everyone, and create a sense of belonging for all individuals.
In conclusion, I have contributed through my role as the Men's Discipleship Lead in the youth ministry and as a basketball coach. I am dedicated to creating a place where all individuals feel valued and supported. I will continue to contribute to these initiatives in the future and spread hope wherever I go.
Candidate 3 
Rocky Houston, Clark County Public Works, Parks & Lands Division
Education:
- Master of Public Administration
- Bachelor of Science History
- Bachelor of Science Psychology
- Project Manager Professional
Job History:
- 2021 to present | Parks and Lands Division Manager, Public Works, Clark County, WA
- 2016 to 2021 | Parks Department & Lands Department Director, Douglas County, OR
- 2004 to 2021 | State Trails Coordinator, Oregon Parks and Recreation Department, Salem, OR
- 2000 to 2024 | Branch Manager, Oregon Department of Human Services
- 1995 to 2000 | Private sector employment
WRPA Involvement:
I moved to Washington from Oregon in the past two years. While in Oregon, I was on the Board of ORPA for 5 years as a section president. Prior to that, I presented frequently at the annual conference for the prior 12 years on a variety of topics.
Why do you want to serve on the WRPA Board of Directors:
I was on the board of ORPA in Oregon and understand the impact the organization has on parks and recreation professionals. I feel that I have a diverse background in parks and recreations that would benefit WPRA members. Lastly, I want to help contribute to and advocate for my colleagues in SW Washington with WRPA and statewide issues.
What type of Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging initiatives have you contributed to previously or would you contribute to in the future?:
I have been engaged in several initiatives that address equity, inclusion and belonging. While on the ORPA Board, we created a track for diversity, equity, and inclusion at our annual conference.
At Clark County, I completed our most recent PROs Plan to develop goals and objectives to address diversity, equity, and inclusion. We have changed our capital program project scoring rubric to reflect these values, developed procedures for public engagement on planning to increase our engagement with community members and are developing a plan for our division. We have revamped our Park Advisory Board solicitation to target diversity of our board members.
I have brought in trainers, utilized active engagement with staff on these matters and encourage staff to come forth with ideas to improve our engagement and practices to improve inclusion, diversity and equity in our programming and parks. This has led to a new park rule sign that utilizes international symbols and is translated in three languages, a complete revamp of our new park development strategy that re-directed our 10 year plan for new parks, new public meeting practices that are resulting in significant improvement of attendance and comments after the meeting, and an empowered team. I have a long way to go, but these small changes are inspiring to me.
Describe the contributions you feel you can make as a member of the WRPA leadership team:
I have worked in rural, urban, and suburban areas delivering parks and recreation facilities to the community. I understand the differences and similarities these different parks and recreation programs have in delivering their programs and managing their portfolio’s. In addition, as a Southwestern representative I believe that I can assist in engaging with local parks and recreation staff and represent their needs to WRPA.
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