Kevin Altobelli
Lancaster,CA
Summary
Accomplished municipal recreation executive with over 20 years of leadership experience in parks, cultural programming, water park operations, and large-scale event management. Currently serving as Manager II for the City of Palmdale’s Parks & Recreation Department, providing strategic oversight of the Palmdale Amphitheater, Playhouse, and DryTown Water Park. Expert in delivering exceptional guest experiences, driving revenue growth through sponsorships and innovative pricing strategies, and leading high-performing teams. Adept at navigating public sector budgeting, procurement, and contract management while fostering inclusive community engagement through cultural, historical, and civic initiatives.
Results-driven management professional with proven ability to lead teams to success. Strong focus on team collaboration, operational efficiency, and achieving measurable outcomes. Adept at strategic planning, process improvement, and fostering culture of accountability and excellence. Known for adaptability and consistently meeting changing organizational needs.
Overview
29
29
years of professional experience
Work History
Manager II – Parks & Recreation Department
City of Palmdale
Palmdale, CA
01.2021 - Current
- Provide strategic and operational leadership for major City events, cultural programming, and facility operations, including the Palmdale Amphitheater, Playhouse, and DryTown Water Park.
- Oversee planning and execution of large-scale events (Summer Concert Series, Kaleidoscope Fall Festival, Jolly Holiday, Field of Honor, Farmers Market), ensuring safety, compliance, and high-quality guest experiences.
- Indirectly manage DryTown Water Park through the Water Park Manager, guiding marketing campaigns, pricing strategies, off-season maintenance, capital planning, and guest service initiatives.
- Direct procurement, contracting, and budget management in alignment with City policies; prepare RFPs, sole-source justifications, and vendor agreements.
- Cultivate community partnerships and sponsorships, generating new revenue streams through naming rights, advertising, and vendor activations.
- Supervise, mentor, and evaluate full-time and part-time staff, fostering a culture of professionalism, accountability, and innovation.
- Develop marketing and public communications that balance accessibility, inclusivity, and operational considerations such as venue capacity and safety.
- Enhanced guest service and safety standards across events and DryTown Water Park through staff training, risk management protocols, and customer-focused improvements.
- Advanced community engagement by integrating cultural, historical, and civic themes into programming (e.g., America 250 initiatives, veterans’ tributes, public art activations).
- Key Achievements:
- Expanded revenue-generating opportunities across events and facilities through sponsorships, pricing strategies, and vendor partnerships.
- Led cross-functional teams to develop and implement community engagement initiatives.
- Streamlined operational processes to enhance service delivery efficiency across departments.
- Mentored staff, fostering professional development and promoting a collaborative work environment.
- Developed policies that align with city objectives, improving overall governance and operational effectiveness.
- Accomplished multiple tasks within established timeframes.
Vice President / Senior General Manager
Mulligan Family Fun Centers
Los Alamitos, CA
01.1997 - 01.2020
- Directed strategic planning, profit & loss accountability, and marketing initiatives to achieve sustained growth.
- Revitalized under-performing location through $1.5M in renovations and re-branding, boosting community support.
- Guided management teams in recruitment, training, incentive programs, and employee development.
- Implemented new technology systems including POS, online ticketing, and e-commerce solutions.
- Supervised 120+ staff, ensuring compliance with employment laws and fostering positive guest experiences.
- Key Achievements:
- Surpassed financial goals with multiple record-breaking years in gross and net sales.
- Recipient of Highest Controllable Profit Award (2007–2009, 2014–2018).
- Led Palmdale facility renovation recognized with IAAPA’s Golden Token Award (2007).
- Implemented process improvements that enhanced productivity and reduced costs.
- Developed and executed operational strategies aligned with company goals.
- Mentored senior management staff to foster leadership development and succession planning.
- Collaborated with executive team to set performance benchmarks across departments.
Education
Master of Public Administration (MPA) -
California State University, Northridge
12.2026
Certified Festival & Event Associate (CFEA) -
International Festivals & Events Association (IFEA)
01-2025
Certification of Attractions Management - undefined
Institute for Attractions Managers
Bachelor of Science - Business
University of Redlands
Skills
- Business Strategy & Planning
- Venue Operations
- Human Resource Practices
- Exceptional Guest Experience
- Improving Processes & Procedures
- Technology Coordination
- Employee Training & Management
- Retail Organization
- Budget Management
- Technical Skills: Microsoft Office 365, ADP Workforce, HR/Payroll software, MUNIS, Executime, QuickBooks, Ideal POS, BOCA Ticketing, Safire Ticketing and Websites, Aluvii POS, and various online ticketing platforms
- Customer service
- Team leadership
- Decision-making
- Complex Problem-solving
- Project planning
- Budget control
- Financial management
Timeline
Manager II – Parks & Recreation Department
City of Palmdale
01.2021 - Current
Vice President / Senior General Manager
Mulligan Family Fun Centers
01.1997 - 01.2020
Certification of Attractions Management - undefined
Institute for Attractions Managers
Bachelor of Science - Business
University of Redlands
Master of Public Administration (MPA) -
California State University, Northridge
Certified Festival & Event Associate (CFEA) -
International Festivals & Events Association (IFEA)