New Professional Award
These professionals are not necessarily the superintendents or leaders that have been visible in the field, but are the “up and coming” leaders. They should possess all of those qualities and talents that will eventually place them in the top leadership, but at this time in their careers, they are climbing (previously called the Young Professional Award).
- Must be a member of ARPA.
- Minimum 5 years of experience as a leader, instructor, supervisor, administrator, consultant, or a combination of these services in the field of parks/recreation.
- Contributed to the profession through allied fields of arts, crafts, sports, health and safety education, design, park maintenance, horticulture, education and consulting services.
- High recommendations and respect from staff within the agency the individual now works.
Nominate an ARPA Member for this Award
2023 Bridget Irish - City of Valdez Parks & Recration
2022 Tyler Best - City of Kenai Parks & Recreation
2021 Nigel Lariccia - North Peninsula Recreation Service Area
2020 Jenny Rutledge - City of Seward Parks & Recreation
2019 Joel Todd - City of Soldotna Parks & Recreation
2018 Lauren Eck - Fairbanks North Star Borough Parks & Recreation
2017 Brandon Harker - Challenge Alaska
2016 Ricky Borland - Fairbanks North Star Borough Parks & Recreation
2015 Albert Burnham - City of Unalaska Parks, Culture & Recreation
2014 Luke Kline - Fairbanks North Star Borough Parks & Recreation
2013 Mike Kinney - City of Seward Parks & Recreation
2012 Dave Jones - Fairbanks North Star Borough Parks & Recreation
2011 Maggie Wilkins - City of Seward Parks & Recreation
2010 Josie Ronne - City of Seward Parks & Recreation
2009 Matt Steffy - Fairbanks North Star Borough Parks & Recreation
2008 Mike Illg - City of Homer Parks & Recreation
2007 Jason Avery - Fairbanks North Star Borough Parks & Recreation
2005 Mike Bork - City of Valdez Parks & Recreation
2004 Jennifer McWilliams - City of Unalaska
2001 Ryan McFarland - Petersburg Parks & Recreation
1999 Lisa Deane - City of Unalaska Parks, Culture & Recreation
1998 Myiia Whistler - City & Borough of Juneau Parks & Recreation
1997 Rick Bittick - City of Seward Parks & Recreation
1996 Shareen Adelmann - City of Seward Parks & Recreation
1995 Fred Hill - Anchorage Parks & Recreation
1994 Karin Sturdy - City of Seward Parks & Recreation
1993 Teri Peters - Anchorage Parks & Recreation
1992 Dianna Fehring - Anchorage Parks & Recreation
1991 Sharon Reed - Anchorage Parks & Recreation
1990 Lee Westenberg -Tok
1989 Kim Kiefer - Juneau
1988 Bill Musson -Kenai
1987 Kevin Finney - Ketchikan
1985 Steve Weber - Valdez
1984 Brenda Schimmeyer - Anchorage
1983 Chuck Kaucic - Fort Richardson
1982 Merilee Watts -Anchorage
1982 Jim Hall - Juneau
1981 Kristine Moeller - Seward
1981 Jane Boubel - Ketchikan
1979 John Alder - Bethel