Stacy Swainston
Avondale,Arizona
Summary
Detail-oriented professional with 23 years of sustaining activity programs that excel and showcase high character standards, performance, and participation. Demonstrated leadership to coordinate activities and events with powerful participation. Excellent communication and relationship-building skills.
Overview
15
15
years of professional experience
Work History
Recreation Manager
City of Avondale
11.2020 - Current
- Recruit, train, and lead a dynamic team of 8 full-time staff and 35 part-time recreation personnel, ensuring high levels of performance and engagement.
- Implemented and manage departmental software such as When to Work, CivicRec, TeamUp, Musco Sports Lighting, and various social media platforms to streamline operations.
- Developed and execute a comprehensive onboarding program for new employees, enhancing their integration and productivity.
- Played a pivotal role in the Community Center renovation, actively participating in construction meetings and decision-making processes.
- Oversee operations at the community center, sports programs, and special events.
- Incorporate Program Plans within the division, including program evaluations, a yearly growth matrix, an 18-month calendar, and recap meetings to optimize programming.
- Spearheaded the integration of new events, including Creepin’ Candy Crawl, Hoot ‘n’ Hustle 5K, Barks and Treats, Blank Canvas Summer Showcase, Juneteenth, Light Up The Sky, Family Campout, Eggstravaganza, Family Fishing Derby, and Avondazzle Holiday Light Display.
- Direct and implement targeted marketing campaigns to boost program participation and community engagement.
- Lead the recreation division's procurement efforts, establishing RFPs and collaborating with vendors to secure necessary resources.
- Administer the recreation budget, encompassing recreational operations, events, sports, community center activities, and special interest classes.
- Continuously monitoring program evaluations, identifying areas for improvement, and implementing changes to increase participant satisfaction.
- Enhance customer satisfaction by developing and launching innovative recreational programs and events.
- Develop comprehensive training programs for recreation staff, resulting in improved employee performance and guest experience.
- Foster a positive work environment through effective communication and team building initiatives among staff members.
Recreation Coordinator
City of Avondale
10.2018 - 11.2020
- Oversaw Recreation Programmers and Recreation Assistants by conducting trainings, creating work schedules, and assisting with job duties.
- Created and updated Department policies and procedures including tournaments, allocations, parent and coaches code of conduct, and volunteer packets.
- Coordinated, promoted, and implemented recreational activities including purchasing supplies, contract management, vendor inquiries, and assisting staff.
- Created and implemented seasonal activity programs, new sports programs, and new community special events.
- Established team rosters, scheduled leagues and tournaments and enforced rules and regulations of recreation and athletic programs.
- Organized and maintained accurate records for program registration, facility usage, and budgetary expenses ensuring smooth operations.
Recreation Programmer
City of Avondale
03.2017 - 10.2018
- Served in a lead capacity to part-time employees and volunteers by providing primary onsite supervision and ensured staff coverage at recreation activities, parks, and events.
- Provided excellent customer service by addressing inquiries or concerns promptly while maintaining professionalism at all times.
- Oversaw the front desk staff by scheduling, conducting trainings, and policy implementations.
- Managed budgets and resources effectively, ensuring all programs were delivered within cost constraints.
- Developed innovative program offerings for various age groups, increasing community engagement.
Community Education Site Manager
Avondale Elementary School District
07.2015 - 03.2017
- Administered and provided a comprehensive professional before and after school recreation program for students.
- Planned instructional goals, objectives, and methods to meet state and national standards.
- Directed, and implemented weekly activities designed to enrich the student’s educational experience.
- Maintained open lines of communication with students and their guardians concerning both the learning and behavioral processes of students.
Recreation Supervisor
Morton Grove Park District
07.2013 - 07.2015
- Hired and supervised over 30 summer camp counselors for four camps, serving more than 300 participants.
- Supervised the Dance Program that included over 250 dancers.
- Supervised early childhood, special events, rental birthday parties, day camps, dance, and music, including scheduling, evaluating, and calculating biweekly payroll for staff.
- Served as the District’s Safety Coordinator and led the completion of the Loss Control Review.
Superintendent of Recreation
Park District of Forest Park
03.2012 - 07.2013
- Served as District’s Safety Coordinator and was directly responsible for obtaining Park District Risk Management Agency Accreditation.
- Was responsible for the operation of the Recreation Department, including programs, events, building/field rentals and the Aquatic Center.
- Supervised a Recreation Supervisor, Marketing Coordinator, and pool and concession operation managers, as well as more than 100 part-time seasonal employees.
- Recruited, trained, and oversaw over 150 volunteers.
Recreation Supervisor
Park District of Forest Park
08.2009 - 03.2012
- Supervised daily operations and programming for the before and after school program, summer day camp, youth and adult sports, and summer teen camp.
- Directly responsible for developing and implementing the seasonal brochures.
Education
NRPA Director's School
03.2024
AGTS Supervisory Academy
06.2021
Bachelor of Science - Recreation, Park and Tourism Administration, Recreation
Western Illinois University
Macomb, Illinois08.2009
Skills
- Partnership Building
- Special Event Planning
- Teamwork and Collaboration
- Attention to Detail
- Self Motivation
- Facility Management
Affiliations
- Certified Park and Recreation Professional, National Recreation and Park Association, 2019 - Present
- Arizona Parks and Recreation Association, 2017 - Present
- Illinois Park and Recreation Association, 2008 - 2015
Awards
- Young Professional Award, Arizona Park and Recreation Association, 11/2022
- Rising Star Award Recreation Section, Illinois Park and Recreation Association, 11/2012
References
- Miranda Gomez, Community Services Director, City of Buckeye, (623) 349-6353, mgomez@buckeyeaz.gov
- Jill Schoettes, Director of Community Education, Avondale Elementary School District, (623) 772-5086, jschoettes@avondale.k12.az.us
- Christina Underhill, Director, City of Englewood, (303) 762-2681, cunderhill@englewoodco.gov
Timeline
Recreation Manager
City of Avondale
11.2020 - Current
Recreation Coordinator
City of Avondale
10.2018 - 11.2020
Recreation Programmer
City of Avondale
03.2017 - 10.2018
Community Education Site Manager
Avondale Elementary School District
07.2015 - 03.2017
Recreation Supervisor
Morton Grove Park District
07.2013 - 07.2015
Superintendent of Recreation
Park District of Forest Park
03.2012 - 07.2013
Recreation Supervisor
Park District of Forest Park
08.2009 - 03.2012
NRPA Director's School
AGTS Supervisory Academy
Bachelor of Science - Recreation, Park and Tourism Administration, Recreation
Western Illinois University
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