Cara Prell
Alpharetta,GA
Summary
Dynamic professional with extensive experience in Recreation and Parks departments, specializing in facility and program management, staffing, budgeting, and special events. Over eight years of collegiate-level instruction, supported by a Master of Science in Sport Administration. Committed to fostering engaging environments that promote community well-being, active lifestyles and the power of green space.
Overview
25
25
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Recreation Manager
City of Johns Creek
01.2021 - Current
- Plan and implement recreation programs and special events utilizing Rec1 software for registration and rentals.
- Develop community partnerships with local fitness industry businesses to provide free outdoor fitness to nearly 1000 participants monthly (March-October).
- Directly manage four full-time and twelve part-time staff.
- Present to city council, mayor and Recreation Advisory Committee regularly. Oversee two thriving recreation associations offering athletics to thousands of area youth.
- Direct staff and volunteers to execute events and programs upholding the highest customer service and Parks department.
- Aid communications team with promotional materials. Schedule with the public safety team to maintain safety protocols at all events and programs. Work closely with public works on park projects.
- Grow relationships within the staff and community to continue to broaden the scope and reach of the Recreation and Parks department.
Recreation Supervisor II
City of Alpharetta
01.2015 - 01.2021
- Planned, coordinated and directed assigned programs with a focus in aquatics and health & wellness.
- Hired, trained, supervised, directed and evaluated lifeguards, cashiers and contracted coaches (50+ staff).
- Developed pool operations handbook with an emphasis on safety and maintaining Health Department standards.
- Managed budget of $5.5 million pool facility and 5-year/$50,000 partnership with North Fulton Hospital Health and Wellness.
- Lead the Wills Park signage project to include RFP, project management and execution for wayfinding, kiosks and trail markers.
- Performed marketing of recreational programs and special events.
Part-time Instructor
Georgia State University
01.2007 - 01.2015
- Taught American Red Cross Emergency Medical Response (highest level of training available) within the Department of Kinesiology and Health to undergraduate and graduate students.
- Advised and mentored students regarding academic as well as personal growth.
Director of Health and Safety Services
American Red Cross
01.2001 - 01.2004
- Exceeded yearly budget goals.
- Awarded Regional Communications Award.
- Earned a grant to train low-income, Spanish speaking participants in the lifesaving skills of CPR and First Aid.
- Developed and implemented a new Pet First Aid program by securing donations for equipment and implementation.
- Developed and built a weeklong Babysitters Training camp for local youth ages 11-14.
- Managed staff of eight employees, and over two hundred volunteer employees. Hired, trained and scheduled all staff.
- Developed community training schedule on a quarterly basis; scheduled staff, facilities, and equipment for several classes per week.
- Wrote and defended United Way budget proposals to secure program funding annually.
Education
Master of Science - Sport Administration
University of Wisconsin- La Crosse
Bachelor of Arts - Psychology and Criminology
University of New Mexico
Skills
- Oversight of operational facilities
- Recreation program development
- Public speaking
- Community partnerships and collaborations
- Special event planning and execution
- Department budget and grant writing
- Partnership building
Certification
- Certified Parks and Recreation Professional (CPRP)
- Aquatic Facility Operator (AFO)
Timeline
Recreation Manager
City of Johns Creek
01.2021 - Current
Recreation Supervisor II
City of Alpharetta
01.2015 - 01.2021
Part-time Instructor
Georgia State University
01.2007 - 01.2015
Director of Health and Safety Services
American Red Cross
01.2001 - 01.2004
Bachelor of Arts - Psychology and Criminology
University of New Mexico
Master of Science - Sport Administration
University of Wisconsin- La Crosse
Honors/Accreditations
2024 Wisconsin Parks and Recreation conference speaker, 2017/2018/2019/2020/2021 Georgia Recreation and Parks conference speaker, 2019/2020/2021 Ohio Parks and Recreation conference speaker, 2018/2020/2021 GRPA Committee Chair, 2018 Ohio Parks and Recreation Regional Trainer (3-day program)