EDUCATION SESSION 3
CULTIVATING COMMITMENT:
Fostering Retention in Recreation Staff
Dive into the heart of employee satisfaction! Focusing on the intersection of employee retention, wages, and culture, we delve into the strategies and best practices that empower agencies to attract and retain quality staff. Based on formal and informal survey data, presenters share elements that attract staff to apply for a community recreation center position and remain in that position.
Meet the Speakers
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Dr. Laura Walker
Assistant Professor of Management, Troy University
Dr. Laura Walker received a Ph.D. in Management (OB/HR) from the University of North Texas and earned her Bachelor's and Master's degrees in Parks, Recreation, and Tourism Management from Clemson University. Prior to joining the faculty at Troy University, Dr. Walker was a Lecturer in the University of North Texas' Recreation, Event, and Sport Management program and held professional roles in recreation and special event planning and programming. She has taught various undergraduate- and graduate-level management courses in Organizational Behavior and Human Resource Management including: Theories of Organizational Behavior, Talent Development, Compensation and Benefits, and Workforce Planning and Staffing. Before joining Troy, Dr. Walker taught recreation courses at UNT and worked as a Recreation Specialist and Athletic Coordinator for Lewisville, TX, and Aberdeen, NC, respectively.
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Jenna Katsaros
Facility Performance Advisor, Former Recreation Superintendent
Jenna brings experience from both sides of the hiring table, progressing from recreation research specialist to superintendent throughout her 15-year career with the City of Aurora, CO. Now as a recreation center Facility Performance Advisor, she connects with park and recreation professionals nationwide, conducts research on operational performance, and maintains an extensive database of facility performance data.