Chris Stice

Professional Summary

Professional Overview
Chris Stice is an experienced parks and recreation professional with a proven track record of driving organizational success and community engagement. As the Director of the Hamilton County Parks and Recreation Department, he leverages his extensive industry expertise to oversee the strategic planning, operations, and enhancement of the county's robust parks system.

Experience Summary

Current Role
As the Director of the Hamilton County Parks and Recreation Department since 2020, Chris is responsible for managing a team of 150+ employees and overseeing a $15 million annual budget. Under his leadership, the department has implemented several innovative initiatives, including the development of a master plan to expand the county's trail network by 50 miles and the launch of a community-based programming series that has attracted over 25,000 participants annually.

Career Progression
Prior to his current role, Chris served as the Deputy Director of the Hamilton County Parks and Recreation Department for 25 years, where he played a key role in securing over $20 million in grant funding to support park infrastructure improvements and conservation efforts. Additionally, he has served as the Treasurer and Past President of the Board of Directors for the Indiana Parks and Recreation Association, leveraging his expertise to shape industry best practices and advocate for parks and recreation initiatives statewide.

Academic Background
Chris holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Parks and Recreation Management from Indiana University, where he graduated cum laude and was recognized for his outstanding academic achievements.

Areas of Expertise

• Strategic planning and operations management for parks and recreation departments

• Facility and infrastructure development, including trails, playgrounds, and community centers

• Stakeholder engagement and community outreach

• Securing public and private funding through grants and partnerships

• Policy development and advocacy within the parks and recreation industry

Professional Impact
Under Chris's leadership, the Hamilton County Parks and Recreation Department has been recognized as a national leader in the industry, receiving multiple awards from the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) for outstanding programming, environmental stewardship, and community engagement. Additionally, Chris's contributions to the Indiana Parks and Recreation Association have helped to shape statewide policies and initiatives that have positively impacted park systems across the state.

Conclusion
With his extensive experience, industry-leading expertise, and a demonstrated commitment to community service, Chris Stice is poised to continue driving the success and growth of the Hamilton County Parks and Recreation Department. His strategic vision, collaborative approach, and proven track record of results make him a valuable asset to both his organization and the broader parks and recreation industry.