Professional Summary

Overview

Work History

Education

Skills

Certification

Interests

Timeline

Related Experiences

Thomas Michael Lester

Department of the Commander, Navy

Virginia Beach,VA

Certification

years of professional experience

Recreation professional with solid track record in organizing and implementing engaging activities. Strong focus on team collaboration and achieving results, adaptable to changing needs. Skilled in customer service, event planning, and safety protocols. Reliable and resourceful with positive attitude and excellent communication skills.

Work History

Recreation Assistant

24 Years

Department of the Commander, Navy | 08.2002 - Current

Assists to observe and coordinate facility use activities for military, civilians and family members .
Explains and assist patrons in the use of facilities, ensuring safe and proper handling of facilities and sports/fitness equipment.
Assists in maintaining cleanliness of facilities prior to, during, and after use. Assists in the opening and/or closing of facilities ensuring building security before closing at the end of the day.
Reviewed event schedules to confirm facilities were ready before the scheduled start times.
Coordinated scheduling of activities, assuring resource allocation and maximizing attendance.
May answer telephone and personal questions providing excellent customer service skills.
Provided assistance to patrons in equipment use while ensuring safety and order, promoting a positive environment.
Cleans and maintains facilities, performing janitorial services to ensure interior and outdoor spaces are clean, neat and orderly at all times.
Tracked issuance and return of sports equipment to ensure accurate inventory management. Maintains and updates reservation schedules for facilities and sports fields to prevent schedule conflicts.
Prepares and updates attendance records/tables on ongoing intramural sports and fitness activities.
Posts publicity announcements of sports and fitness events and programs. Inventories sports equipment and follows-up on discrepancies.
Proficient with (Rec Trac)MWR Recreation accounting and financial point of sale processes and procedures.
Assisted in scheduling events, classes, rentals and field usage, ensuring smooth logistics and positive experiences for participants.

Assistant Manager

1 Year 11 Months

Taylor’s Do It Center-Haygood | 09.2020 - 08.2022

Coordinated daily operations to enhance workflow efficiency and improve customer satisfaction.
Mentored staff on best practices for inventory management and customer service excellence.
Developed training programs for new team members, fostering a knowledgeable and capable workforce.
Managed vendor relationships, negotiating contracts that resulted in improved product availability and pricing terms.
Supervised inventory control processes, ensuring accuracy in stock levels and minimizing shrinkage risks.
Oversaw daily cash reconciliations, ensuring accurate financial reporting and minimizing discrepancies.
Assisted in recruiting, interviewing, hiring, and onboarding of new employees to maintain adequate staffing levels.
Enforced company policies consistently while handling disciplinary actions when necessary with fairness and respect.
Scheduled staff shifts to ensure proper coverage during peak shopping hours without exceeding labor budgets.
Conducted employee performance evaluations, providing constructive feedback for growth and development.
Implemented staff training programs, enhancing product knowledge and improving customer service skills.
Ensured compliance with all safety regulations by conducting regular inspections of equipment/operations within the store.

Night Manager/Assistant Manager In-Training

6 Months

Taylor’s Do It Center-Haygood | 03.2020 - 09.2020

Monitor the store providing customer service and fulfilling the customer experience.
Provide greetings and salutations to entering and exiting customers.
Resolved minor issues and concerns for customers and employees.
Perform Point of Sale operations to include opening/closing registers, operating registers, setting up Tax Exemptions, authorizing exchanges and refunds.
Issue, receive and control cash, receipts and invoices.
Nightly closing of POS registers, balancing drawers and setting up deposits.
Verifying stock according to invoices, reconciling errors, communicating overages and shortages.
Rotating product and recovering store.
Creating and printing store wide price and sale signage.
Fulfilling on-line and ship to store customer purchases.
Compiled and submitted Excel nightly finance and operations reports via Outlook to ensure accurate financial tracking.
Confirm and Reconcile inventory shortages/overages.
Managed store keys, ensuring access control and security during operations.
Taylor Koch, Manager
757-460-3716

Department Lead-Fishing

2 Years 11 Months

Field and Stream Retail Store | 07.2016 - 06.2019

Led team in achieving operational excellence through effective training and workflow management.
Oversaw inventory control processes to ensure optimal stock levels and minimize loss.
Managed inventory and receiving operations to maintain optimal stock levels and meet expected demands.
Managed team schedules, department projects and quality assurance.
Supervised existing employees and recruited, interviewed and hired new ones.
Evaluated staff performance and provided coaching to address inefficiencies.
Created and managed project plans, timelines and budgets.

Recreation Specialist II – Programming and Operations

7 Years 11 Months

City of Virginia Beach Parks & Recreation | 07.2008 - 06.2016

Responsible for research, recommendation and procurement of leisure, sport and fitness equipment, operation infrastructure and materials to open a multi-dimensional recreation facility.(Bow Creek)
Assist with the research, procurement(SWaM) and inventory of resources/supplies for fitness & athletic, camp and facility wide recreation services equipment for established and new Recreation Centers, within established annual budget allocation.
Develop, direct, implement, supervise and evaluate directed and self-directed recreation and athletic programs and events for elementary youth through Senior Adults.
Created and evaluated special events and camps, including cooking, camping, kayaking, and sports, fostering collaboration among 6 city-operated recreation centers to enrich community offerings.
Co-developed Seatack Community Youth Day and Youth Empowerment Program events, programming, cooperative services and grant/sponsorship funding.
Operated and maintained in-center bowling lanes and AMF lane mechanics and equipment.
Self trained to provide maintenance and repair of Fitness equipment, inventory of equipment and parts and recorded repair and replacement data.
Unit Marketing lead, responsible to request and approve programming and development, creation, editing and proofing of seasonal Recreation publication, promotional banners, fliers and press releases and the networking outreach for volunteer assistance and community involvement.
Enforced, developed, and implemented City, program, and facility policies and procedures.
Leader to work cooperatively with local hospital nurses, Virginia Beach Risk Management, Public Health, Emergency Services and Emergency Medical Services to research, recommend and implement safe, effective and CDC approved sanitary products and protocol for cleaning and sanitizing point of contact surfaces for recreation, fitness and athletic equipment and apparatuses.
Develop, maintain, interpret and update daily and monthly attendance & expense spreadsheets reports, program and monthly/annual budget projection and expense reports.
Conducted budget reconciliation to ensure accuracy in financial reporting.; projections and review
Facility Use Booking Coordinator, internal, intra-departmental and outside usage. Primary responsibility to represent inter-departmental teams to assess and recommend support and allocated resources for summer camps, sport camps and in-center(intramural) sport and leisure programming.
Supervised and guided departmental interns to enhance their professional development. (Seasonal)
City Vehicle Fleet Manager & City Vehicle Use & Policy Team Member
Recreation Center Training Coordinator
Supervisor of Inter-departmental Procurement Card Managers
Recreation Center Wellness Ambassador
Member of center’s Strategic Planning Team with responsibility to plan, budget, market and implement center and citywide Special Events, sponsorships and partnerships, to increase community and customer awareness of programs.
Managed scheduling of facilities and resources to optimize usage and accessibility for users.
Oversaw maintenance tasks within recreation facilities to ensure cleanliness and safety standards were consistently met.
Managed timesheets for recreation attendants, instructors and coaches to provide prompt payment.
Successfully coordinated large-scale community events such as festivals or tournaments that attracted visitors from surrounding regions.
Maintained inventory of supplies and equipment with established sign-out procedures.
Evaluated program effectiveness using participant feedback, making necessary adjustments to enhance future offerings.
Streamlined event planning processes, resulting in more efficient use of resources and higher participant satisfaction.
Continuously researched industry trends in recreation programming, incorporating innovative ideas into program planning.
Conducted regular assessments of recreational equipment, replacing or repairing items as needed to maintain high standards of safety and enjoyment.
Managed budgets effectively, ensuring optimal allocation of funds across various program areas.
Coordinated facility rentals for private events, ensuring smooth operations while maximizing revenue generation opportunities.
Managed maintenance and scheduling of recreational facilities, ensuring availability and safety for all users.
Ordered and maintained all recreational equipment.
Assisted in preparing recreational materials and supplies for each activity.
Kept athletic and games equipment and facilities organized and maintained.
Developed and monitored budgets for recreational activities.

Recreation Specialist II – CRS/Youth Activities

5 Years 2 Months

City of Virginia Beach Parks & Recreation | 05.2003 - 07.2008

Developed, directed, and supervised inclusive before and after school, year-round, and youth summer programs, enhancing accessibility and participation.
Directly responsible to maintain CDC Licensing standards and training requirements for employees and operations in 15 Before School and 22 After School Programs. Assisted with implementation of Licensing Public Forum.
Schedule, supervise, train, evaluate, hire and counsel Full and Part time employees.
Develop, edit, proof and submit seasonal Guide publication information. Department Web Page, Vignette Web Author.
Lead for collecting information for and writing, editing and creating seasonal program information catalogs, promotional cover pages and associated fliers, posters and media promos.
Proposed and coordinated in-house and community outreach special events, including youth 'Last Day of School, First Day of Cool' and 'Seatack Summer Block Party', to raise community awareness of available services and programs.
Developed and coordinated a collaborative After School program for at-risk youth with Va. Beach City Public Schools.
Co-Chair “Registration Process & Finance Team,” coordinating and implementing Before School, After School, Intersession and Summer Program registration and collection procedures and quarterly implementation.
Chair Programming Team, creating and implementing programming models and formats for daily operation, special event and field trip planning for 56 After School Programs, with emphasis on recreation and vigorous physical activity.
Acting Recreation Supervisor, responsible to maintain Licensing and Programming Standards, approve Leave Requests for Full Time staff and represented the unit during Licensing Audit of staff files, trainings and center inspection reports and corrections.
Created programming standards for before and after school, summer, and all-day camps, focusing on promoting physical activity to combat childhood obesity.
Judie Wilder – Retired

Recreation Specialist I - CRS/ Youth Activities

1 Year 9 Months

City of Virginia Beach Parks & Recreation | 08.2001 - 05.2003

Developed, directed, implemented, and supervised inclusive before and after school, year-round intersession, and summer programs to enhance youth engagement and community participation.
Directly responsible to schedule employees, create a program plan and verify participant accounts for Intersession (Year Round School Breaks) Programs.
Chaired “Best All-Around” Sponsorship and Marketing Committee to promote program visibility and foster community partnerships.
Scheduled employees, created program plans, and verified participant accounts for intersession programs, ensuring smooth operations during school breaks.
Facilitated transition to retirement planning for staff members.

Recreation Specialist I - Athletics

7 Years 8 Months

Bayside Recreation Center | 12.1993 - 08.2001

Developed, directed, implemented & supervised athletic and fitness programs, events, tournaments and camps for elementary youth through Senior Adults.
Ensured compliance with fitness training standards through A.C.E. certification.
Interviewed, hired, scheduled, trained, supervised and evaluated job performances of part-time employees.
Assisted in researching, procuring, and maintaining fitness and athletic equipment to support program needs and adhere to SWaM principles.
Responsible for the development, enforcement, operation, policies and procedures for cardio fitness and weight rooms, group fitness studios, bowling, racquetball areas and multi-functional gymnasium(s).

Recreation Specialist II - (Cross-Training)

3 Months

City of Virginia Beach Parks & Recreation | 09.2000 - 12.2000

Assisted in supervising District 6 (Bayside) Before/Afterschool programs, enhancing program effectiveness.
Responsible for maintaining State Licensing and training requirements for staff and program.
Maintained state licensing and training requirements for staff and program.
Gained proficiency in CLASS Registration program application to streamline enrollment processes.
Learned CLASS Registration program application and operation.
Served as a resource for staff seeking career advice

Recreation Specialist I - Youth & Adult Services

2 Years 1 Month

City of Virginia Beach Parks & Recreation | 11.1991 - 12.1993

Executed research and procurement of equipment, infrastructure, and materials for the opening of a multi-dimensional recreation facility.
Designed and developed initial Guide cover and contributed to creation and application of wall murals, banners, and promotional materials, while managing equipment purchase and maintenance.

Unit Director-Virginia Beach Unit

1 Year 2 Months

Boys and Girls Club of South Hampton Roads | 09.1990 - 11.1991

Oversaw direction, operation and supervision of youth athletic, education and social recreation programs and unit's parent council, fostering community engagement and support.
Handled income and expenditure procedures, reporting, accounts payable and receivable, payroll, fundraising and volunteer services to ensure financial accountability and transparency.
Interviewed, hired, trained, scheduled and supervised full and part-time staff with the responsibility of personnel retention, evaluation and staff development.
Evaluated, established, implemented and enforced unit policy and procedure.
Led program and event promotion, development, implementation, and member and participant recruitment, enhancing program visibility and participation.

Social Recreation Director-Virginia Beach Unit

5 Months

Boys and Girls Club of South Hampton Roads | 04.1990 - 09.1990

Planned, directed, implemented and supervised youth programs (age 5-17), special events and field trips in educational, community, social and outdoor environments.
Coordinated promotion of special events and programs, increasing community engagement.
Developed and supervised Junior Staff Employment and Summer Teen Programs, empowering youth with work experience.
Manny Willis – Retired

Athletic Director-Virginia Beach Unit

3 Years 2 Months

Boys and Girls Club of South Hampton Roads | 02.1987 - 04.1990

Planned, implemented, directed and supervised youth (age 5-17) sport leagues, special events, tournaments, clinics and daily programming.
Oversaw and conformed to financial and physical resources, both allocated and volunteer solicited, to recommend and purchase sport and fitness equipment, uniforms, coaches, and officials.
Verified memberships by examining identification cards.
Received requests for and scheduled practice gym use and outside rental space.
Performed member, participant and volunteer recruitment (coaches and officials).
Coordinated resource maintenance and inventory, aligned teams, and scheduled practices and games to ensure smooth operations.
Manny Willis – Retired

Education

Bachelor of Arts - Recreational Leadership and Sports Management

Christopher Newport College | Newport News, Virginia | 01-1987

Skills

CPR certified

Equipment operation

Customer service

Inventory management

Equipment maintenance

Data entry

Cash handling

Supervisory skills

Employee training

Time management

Multitasking

Strong teamwork

Relationship building

Computer literacy

Certification

Fitness Equipment repair
AMF Bowling lane operation, rental, maintenance and equipment repair
Movie Projector Operations
First Aid/CPR trained (expired)
Food Services Manager certification (expired)
Boater Safety Certified

Interests

DIY and Home Improvement

Camping

Sports/Coaching/Officiating

Timeline

Assistant Manager

Taylor’s Do It Center-Haygood

09.2020 - 08.2022Read More

Night Manager/Assistant Manager In-Training

Taylor’s Do It Center-Haygood

03.2020 - 09.2020Read More