Alaska Recreation and Park Association
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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

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



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