Thera Loolen
Carrollton,GA
Summary
Strategic Parks & Recreation leader with over 13-year tenure overseeing seniors, administration, therapeutics, arts, athletics, parks and facilities, and special events. Builds high-performing teams and drives innovative, community-focused programming that enhances quality of life. Brings expertise in organizational leadership, accreditation and compliance, budget oversight, and cross-functional coordination, with a proven ability to align people and priorities to achieve strategic results.
Overview
13
13
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Assistant Director of Operations
City of Carrollton
07.2024 - Current
- Provide leadership and strategic oversight for Parks & Recreation operations.
- Foster a collaborative, team-oriented culture by prioritizing staff development, engagement, and cross-functional teamwork
- Guide division leaders to drive innovation, strengthen service delivery, and enhance community-focused programming
- Oversee administrative functions, aligning policies, processes, and resources with organizational goals and community needs
- Lead and mentor staff, emphasizing accountability, professional growth, and strong team dynamics
- Support development and management of departmental budgets, financial reporting, and resource allocation
- Coordinate with executive leadership, community partners, and stakeholders to advance strategic initiatives and expand services
- Serve as CAPRA Accreditation Lead, ensuring compliance, documentation, and continuous readiness
- Promote a culture of creativity, innovation, and proactive problem-solving across teams and facilities
Youth Council Advisor
City of Carrollton
08.2024 - Current
- Selected to advise and mentor youth while collaborating with executive city leadership and elected officials to provided input on initiatives, representing youth community perspectives
Superintendent of Leisure Services & Administration
City of Carrollton
10.2023 - 07.2024
- Directed administrative operations and recreation programming, including oversight of community programs
- Strengthened team performance through supervision, coaching, and clear accountability measures
- Managed budgets, reporting, and operational metrics to support data-driven decision-making
- Led cross-functional collaboration on programs, events, and initiatives to enhance community engagement
- Supported leadership communications, ensuring alignment across department
Superintendent of Administration
City of Carrollton
02.2016 - 10.2023
- Led administrative operations for a large Parks & Recreation department, supervising full-time staff and overseeing daily functions
- Managed a $5M operating budget, including forecasting, reporting, and financial accountability
- Aligned executive scheduling, meetings, and departmental priorities across multiple divisions
- Oversaw logistics for leadership meetings, trainings, audits, and large-scale initiatives
- Prepared agendas and official minutes for Recreation Commission meetings, ensuring accurate documentation and follow-through
- Managed departmental policies and procedures, ensuring compliance with organizational and regulatory standards
- Served as key liaison for six successful city audits, ensuring accuracy, compliance, and timely reporting
- Developed and implemented policies, procedures, and training programs to improve operational efficiency
- Coordinated executive-level communications, reports, and documentation for leadership and stakeholders
- Maintained strict confidentiality in handling sensitive personnel, financial, and organizational matters
Gymnastics Program Director / Coordinator
City of Carrollton
03.2013 - 02.2016
- Progressively advanced to Gymnastics Director, leading program operations, staffing, and administration
- Built and developed a strong team culture focused on quality instruction, safety, and customer experience
- Managed program development, scheduling, and high-volume operations
- Coordinated large events, competitions, and outreach initiatives to increase participation and visibility
Education
Master of Education -
University of Toledo
Bachelor of Education - undefined
University of Toledo
Skills
- Relationship building
- Problem-solving
- Conflict resolution
- Presentations and public speaking
- Goal setting
- Teamwork and collaboration
- Excellent communication
- Organizational skills
- Attention to detail
- Multitasking Abilities
Certification
- GRPA- Annual Conference Co-Chair, 2026
- Carrollton Visitors Bureau-Advisory Board
- GRPA- Awards Chair, 2025
- GRPA Presidential Citation, 2025
- GRPA Awards Committee
- GRPA - 4th District Distinguished Professional
- GRPA- 4th Distinct Chair Elect
- Certified Parks and Recreation Professional (CPRP)
- CAPRA Self-Assessment & Accreditation Manager
- GRPA Leadership Series Graduate
- Leadership Carrollton Graduate
- Leadership Carroll Graduate
- GRPA State Distinguished Administration Support
Timeline
Youth Council Advisor
City of Carrollton
08.2024 - Current
Assistant Director of Operations
City of Carrollton
07.2024 - Current
Superintendent of Leisure Services & Administration
City of Carrollton
10.2023 - 07.2024
Superintendent of Administration
City of Carrollton
02.2016 - 10.2023
Gymnastics Program Director / Coordinator
City of Carrollton
03.2013 - 02.2016
Bachelor of Education - undefined
University of Toledo
Master of Education -
University of Toledo