Dawn C. Turnage
Assistant Director Recreation and Parks
Columbus ,Ohio
Summary
Accountable with strong interpersonal skills. An understanding and creative parks and recreation director with remarkable experience in recreational and the promotion of activities that provide full service recreation for all to enjoy. Extensive knowledge of evaluating the needs of residence with a focus on encouraging youth involvement throughout the community. Adept at managing the daily operations of a department personalizing activities, coordinating volunteers and handling activity budgets. Outstanding people skills and react calmly to emergency situations.
Overview
16
16
years of professional experience
Work History
Youngstown City School Board
Youngstown, OH
01.2022 - Current
- Elected public official entrusted with governing communities’ public schools.
- Entrusted to ensure that school district is responsive to values, beliefs and priorities of the public school district.
- Perform the hiring and evaluation of school district superintendent and treasurer.
Director of Parks and Recreation
City of Youngstown Ohio
Youngstown, OH
03.2018 - Current
- Oversee budget of 2.5 million dollars and operation of Parks and Recreation Department.
- Manage, direct, supervise, and coordinate various recreation programs and special events for the community including the maintenance and operation of the city pool, recreation center, city forestry division, municipal golf course and related facilities.
- Oversee the fiscal management, union negotiations, property management, all other administrative functions throughout the department.
- Coordinating fundraising initiatives for the department
- Search and apply for financial grant opportunities on behalf of the department.
- Implement marketing and publicity tied to city recreation and parks programming
- Coordinates assigned activities with other divisions, departments, and outside agencies.
- Developed annual budgets and provided monthly reports to efficiently use financial resources.
Housing Advisor II
Columbus Metropolitan Housing Authority
Columbus, OH
01.2015 - 03.2018
- Advise clients and property owners of housing assistance regulations, policies, and procedures as outlined by HUD and CMHA
- Performed Interviews, investigate, and determine eligibility
- Verify household composition, assets, deductions, and calculate income of clients in order to process housing assistance subsidies for clients and property owners
- Complete annual reviews and re-certifications, issue vouchers, settle disputes, and process interim changes for case load of approximately 600 residents
- Work under pressure with diverse populations independently and under minimal supervision
- Attend CMHA hearings and propose termination of voucher assistance
- Address unique challenges and individual needs of diverse population including elderly, disabled, developmentally challenged, and low-income individuals and families
- Work collaboratively with community agencies and supportive professionals in maintaining housing for individuals and families.
Birthday Party Leader and Program Instructor
City of Westerville Parks and Recreation
Westerville, OH
10.2013 - 03.2018
- Organized, promoted, coordinated and implemented scheduled birthday party rentals and youth programming.
- Required enthusiasm self-motivation and dedication in order to provide quality customer service and excellent communication to over 50 visitors and stakeholders.
- Work independently and as team leader with great flexibility and attention to details.
Deputy Clerk
City of Columbus/Franklin County Municipal Court
Columbus, OH
04.2014 - 01.2015
- Provided a multitude of services to the general public and law enforcement.
- Followed and performed procedures required by law while issuing writs to carry out court orders.
- Entrusted with the responsibility of processing and archiving all court records; in accordance with file retention requirements established by the Supreme Court of Ohio.
Pretrial Interviewer/Investigator
Prince William County Criminal Justice Services
Manassas, VA
06.2012 - 06.2013
- Performed over 25 interviews daily with defendants, obtain financial need for appointed counsel, and investigate information for accuracy while working independently during overnight shift.
Social Worker II
Prince William County Department of Social Services
Woodbridge, VA
04.2010 - 06.2012
- Performed Child Protective Services investigations, office visits and phone contacts to assess the level of risk to children
- Requiring flexibility in schedule and independent decision-making skills in order to complete assessment measures of immediate risk of safety.
Education
Master of Science - Administrative Justice And Security
University of Phoenix
Tempe, AZ09.2009
Bachelor of Science - Criminal Justice
Youngstown State University
Youngstown, OH06.1994
Skills
- Department Operations
- Program Enrollments
- Program Development and Implementation
- Critical Thinking
- Community Networking
- Facility Management
- Leadership
- Foresight
- Organization
- Communication
- Time Management
- Motivator
Accomplishments
- Supervised team of 150 staff members.
- Collaborated with the Youngstown Lifeguard academy in the development of a learn to swim program.
Affiliations
Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.
Ohio Parks and Recreation Association
National Parks and Recreation Association
Healthy Community Partnership of Mahoning Valley
Mahoning County Children First Council
Ohio School Board Associaton
Additional Information
2022 ATHENA Award Nominee
American Heart Association 2022 Women of Impact Nominee
League of Women Voters 2022 Women's Hall of Fame Honoree
Featured: Youngstown-Warren African American History Magazine
Recipient: 2019 Hometown Hero Award
Timeline
Youngstown City School Board
01.2022 - Current
Director of Parks and Recreation
City of Youngstown Ohio
03.2018 - Current
Housing Advisor II
Columbus Metropolitan Housing Authority
01.2015 - 03.2018
Deputy Clerk
City of Columbus/Franklin County Municipal Court
04.2014 - 01.2015
Birthday Party Leader and Program Instructor
City of Westerville Parks and Recreation
10.2013 - 03.2018
Pretrial Interviewer/Investigator
Prince William County Criminal Justice Services
06.2012 - 06.2013
Social Worker II
Prince William County Department of Social Services
04.2010 - 06.2012
Master of Science - Administrative Justice And Security
University of Phoenix
Bachelor of Science - Criminal Justice
Youngstown State University
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