KRPA is excited to offer a new committee to address changing needs in our state and profession. The KRPA Diversity and Inclusion Committee aims to cultivate and sustain an inclusive environment that educates, empowers and mobilizes our members, departments and communities. The committee provides opportunities, which range from workshops, speakers, mentorship and programming support/ideas that encourage diversity and inclusion in Kansas - to unite all persons concerned with diversity and inclusion in the Park and Recreation profession. This new committee is being chaired by Reggie Davidson of Wichita and Jermel Stevenson of Overland Park.
Reggie Davidson, MSRLS, CPRP, of Wichita Parks and Recreation Department is the Superintendent of Recreation. He is an experienced Park and Recreation Professional with over twenty-five (25) years of experience working with businesses, local government and community organizations to implement change management, develop marketing strategies/plans and organizing programs and activities to meet the needs of individuals from diverse backgrounds and cultures.
Jermel Stevenson, CPRP, is the Parks and Recreation Director in Overland Park Stevenson is native of Detroit, MI and is a Certified Parks and Recreation Professional with nearly 30 years in the industry. He spent the last 10 years in the State of Texas serving in the capacity of Director of Parks and Recreation for the cities of Corpus Christi, Garland and Rowlett, TX. Prior to that he served in senior management roles for the cities of Phoenix, AZ and Detroit, MI. Stevenson received his master’s in public administration as well as his undergraduate degree in Parks and Recreation Management from Central Michigan University. He has been very active at all levels in his profession. Having served as the past President of the Dallas/Fort Worth Director's Association, an Accreditation Visitor for NRPA, he currently serves as the Director of Membership for the World Urban Parks Association (North American Committee).
To hear from Reggie and Jermel and learn more about the Diversity and Inclusion Committee, join the KRPA member call on Friday, November 6th from 10am-11:30am. Zoom information was sent via email to KRPA members. Have a question regarding the call or the committee? Please contact Jamie Reed at jamie@krpa.org.
