JUSTIN C. DORSEY
Little Rock,AR
Summary
Dynamic, mission-driven public sector executive with 15+ years of progressive leadership experience in parks and recreation administration, public safety, large-scale event operations, capital project oversight, and organizational management. Proven success leading complex municipal operations, developing high-performing teams, administering multimillion-dollar budgets, and stewarding public assets. Adept at building strong partnerships with elected officials, community organizations, law enforcement, vendors, and stakeholders. Brings a unique blend of parks leadership, operational management, law enforcement experience, and community-focused governance suited for executive oversight of large, multi-functional public systems.
Overview
21
21
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Deputy Director of Operations
Little Rock Parks & Recreation
Little Rock, AR
12.2022 - Current
- Senior executive leader for one of Arkansas’s largest municipal parks systems, overseeing the Operations Division including design, maintenance, construction, and scheduling for parks, facilities, and public-use assets.
- Lead a diverse operational workforce of 58 full-time employees and up to 65 seasonal staff, with responsibility for staffing, supervision, organizational effectiveness, accountability, and service delivery.
- Administer an annual operating budget of approximately $12 million, aligning expenditures with strategic priorities, operational needs, and capital asset requirements.
- Direct planning, coordination, prioritization, and funding support for capital improvement projects, infrastructure upgrades, and operational enhancements.
- Oversee fleet and asset management for 73 vehicles and a wide range of heavy equipment and maintenance resources essential to system operations.
- Collaborate with leadership, staff, vendors, consultants, elected officials, and community stakeholders to support park development, public-facing services, and operational performance.
- Help shape operational priorities, maintenance standards, facility readiness, and departmental procedures across a broad municipal park system.
- Support long-term planning and asset stewardship through coordinated maintenance, infrastructure investment, and operational decision-making.
- Contribute to policy implementation, risk mitigation, emergency response coordination, and continuity of public services across the department.
Stadium Manager
War Memorial Stadium
Little Rock, AR
02.2019 - 12.2022
- Directed operations of a 54,100-seat public venue serving as a major regional asset and economic driver, hosting athletic, entertainment, civic, and nationally televised events with annual attendance exceeding 400,000 guests.
- Managed all day-to-day facility operations, event readiness, staffing coordination, customer experience, and public-facing venue functions.
- Oversaw personnel supervision, event staffing, recruitment, scheduling, performance management, and operational accountability.
- Negotiated and administered contracts with event promoters, vendors, sponsors, service providers, and organizational partners.
- Coordinated event logistics and security planning with law enforcement, emergency responders, public agencies, and external stakeholders.
- Ensured compliance with state procurement requirements, alcohol permitting regulations, and operational standards.
- Supported revenue-generating operations by facilitating high-profile events, maximizing facility readiness, and maintaining strong partner relationships.
- Managed public visibility, stakeholder expectations, and issue resolution in a high-profile and politically sensitive operating environment.
Police Officer / Public Information Officer / Crisis Negotiations Team Member
Benton Police Department
Benton, AR
07.2014 - 02.2019
- Served in a multifaceted public safety role with responsibilities in patrol, investigations, public communication, crisis response, and interagency coordination.
- Conducted patrol operations, investigations, evidence collection, and emergency response in support of community safety.
- Served as Public Information Officer (PIO), handling public-facing communication and media interaction on behalf of the department.
- Participated in the Crisis Negotiations Team, supporting incident de-escalation and critical event response.
- Coordinated law enforcement support and safety planning for public events and special operations.
- Worked collaboratively with city, county, and partner agencies on incident response, event coordination, and public service delivery.
Police Officer
Little Rock Police Department
Little Rock, AR
07.2013 - 07.2014
- Responded to emergency incidents and conducted law enforcement operations in a high-demand urban environment.
- Investigated criminal activity, traffic incidents, and disturbances while maintaining public order and community safety.
- Worked in a complex public service setting requiring sound judgment, communication, and rapid decision-making.
Park Superintendent IV
Crater of Diamonds State Park
Murfreesboro, AR
07.2009 - 07.2013
- Directed operations for a high-profile Class IV Arkansas State Park, overseeing park administration, public services, staff, budgeting, law enforcement functions, programming, and special events.
- Managed daily operations, staffing, maintenance coordination, budgeting, public programming, and visitor services.
- Supervised 58 employees and administered a multi-million-dollar budget in support of park operations and public use.
- Oversaw public safety, law enforcement, patrols, investigations, and emergency response within the park environment.
- Directed special events, educational programming, and recreational service delivery for a destination-level state park.
- Supported land stewardship, operational planning, and long-range park management priorities.
- Worked with community stakeholders, visitors, and agency leadership to maintain a high-quality public asset and visitor experience.
Part-Time Police Officer
Black Rock Police Department
Black Rock, AR
01.2009 - 06.2009
- Performed patrol and enforcement duties in support of community safety and local law enforcement operations.
Park Superintendent II
Davidsonville Historic State Park
Pocahontas, AR
08.2005 - 06.2009
- Directed operations of a historic park including staffing, budgeting, programming, facility oversight, and public engagement.
- Led historical interpretation, special events, and educational programming.
- Maintained operational standards and coordinated public services for a state-managed park property.
Superintendent Trainee / Acting Superintendent
Lake Frierson State Park
Jonesboro, AR
06.2005 - 08.2005
- Supported park operations, maintenance, staffing, budgeting, public service, and law enforcement functions.
Education
Technical Degree - Law Enforcement
Southern Arkansas University Tech
01-2005
Bachelor of Arts - History, Biology / Wildlife Management
University of Arkansas at Little Rock
01-2004
High School Diploma - undefined
Saline County Home Education Association
01-2000
Skills
- Executive Leadership
- Recreation Operations
- Public Land Operations
- Strategic Planning
- Long-Range Visioning
- Budget Development
- Fiscal Oversight
- Capital Planning
- Construction Management
- Asset Management
- Natural Resource Stewardship
- Parkland Stewardship
- Community Relations
- Public Engagement
- Public Safety
- Risk Management
- Emergency Response
- Policy Development
- Regulatory Compliance
- Revenue Generation
- Partnership Development
- Vendor Management
- Contract Management
- Procurement Management
- Organizational Development
- Team Leadership
Certification
- AFO Certification – NRPA
- CPSI (Certified Playground Safety Inspector) – NRPA
- Certified Pool/Spa Operator
- Certified Law Enforcement Instructor
- Firearms Instructor
- ALERT Active Shooter Response Instructor
- FLETC Advanced Police Response to Active Shooter Instructor
- Senior Certificate in Law Enforcement (CLEST)
- Crisis Negotiator
- Certified Police Traffic Radar Operator
- Incident Command System (ICS) Certifications
- National Incident Management System (NIMS) Certifications
- State Park Leadership School Graduate
- ALETA Basic Officer Course
- Federal Law Enforcement Training Center (FLETC) – RPTW Use of Force
Timeline
Deputy Director of Operations
Little Rock Parks & Recreation
12.2022 - Current
Stadium Manager
War Memorial Stadium
02.2019 - 12.2022
Police Officer / Public Information Officer / Crisis Negotiations Team Member
Benton Police Department
07.2014 - 02.2019
Police Officer
Little Rock Police Department
07.2013 - 07.2014
Park Superintendent IV
Crater of Diamonds State Park
07.2009 - 07.2013
Part-Time Police Officer
Black Rock Police Department
01.2009 - 06.2009
Park Superintendent II
Davidsonville Historic State Park
08.2005 - 06.2009
Superintendent Trainee / Acting Superintendent
Lake Frierson State Park
06.2005 - 08.2005
Bachelor of Arts - History, Biology / Wildlife Management
University of Arkansas at Little Rock
High School Diploma - undefined
Saline County Home Education Association
Technical Degree - Law Enforcement
Southern Arkansas University Tech
Community Leadership And Board Service
- Board Member, Benton School District, 01/01/22, 01/01/25
- Board Member, Murfreesboro Chamber of Commerce, 01/01/11, Present
- Event Organizer, Great Arkansas Cleanup, 01/01/11, 01/01/17
- Big Brother Mentor, Saline County Boys & Girls Club
- Intern, Historic Arkansas Museum, 01/01/04, 01/01/04
- Elder, Northside Church of Christ
- Deacon & Safety Team Coordinator, Northside Church of Christ
- Deacon, Westridge Church of Christ
- Volunteer Firefighter, Black Rock Volunteer Fire Department
- Volunteer Firefighter, Murfreesboro Volunteer Fire Department
Honors And Awards
- City of Benton Employee of the Month, 10/01/15
- Outstanding SRO Award, 01/01/16
- Region III Park of the Year, 01/01/07
- Top Academic Graduate, ALETA Academy, 01/01/00
Core Leadership Qualifications
- Executive Leadership & Department Administration
- Parks, Recreation & Public Land Operations
- Strategic Planning & Long-Range Visioning
- Budget Development & Fiscal Oversight
- Capital Planning, Construction & Asset Management
- Natural Resource & Parkland Stewardship
- Community Relations & Public Engagement
- Public Safety, Risk Management & Emergency Response
- Policy Development & Regulatory Compliance
- Revenue Generation & Partnership Development
- Vendor, Contract & Procurement Management
- Organizational Development & Team Leadership