Professional Summary
Professional Overview
Michele Nekota is an experienced Parks & Recreation Department Director with a proven track record of driving sustainable growth and community engagement. With over 35 years of industry expertise, she is a respected leader in the parks and recreation sector, known for her strategic vision, operational excellence, and commitment to enhancing the quality of life for the communities she serves.
Experience Summary
Current Role
As the Parks & Recreation Department Director for the City and County of Honolulu, Michele oversees the management and operation of the island's extensive network of parks, recreational facilities, and community programs. In this role, she is responsible for developing and implementing comprehensive strategies to maintain and upgrade the city's parks and recreational infrastructure, while also fostering innovative programming that promotes active lifestyles, environmental conservation, and social connectedness among residents.
Under Michele's leadership, the Honolulu Parks & Recreation Department has garnered widespread recognition for its exceptional service delivery, community partnerships, and sustainable practices. She has spearheaded several high-profile initiatives, including the revitalization of historic parks, the expansion of youth sports and outdoor education programs, and the integration of renewable energy and water conservation measures across departmental facilities.
Career Progression
Prior to her current role, Michele served as the Parks & Recreation Director for Salt Lake County Parks & Recreation for over 25 years. During her tenure, she oversaw the successful completion of numerous park improvement projects, the implementation of cutting-edge recreational technologies, and the expansion of programming to reach underserved communities. Her strong leadership and collaborative approach earned her a reputation as a trailblazer in the industry, and she was instrumental in establishing Salt Lake County as a national model for innovative parks and recreation management.
Academic Background
Michele holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Parks and Recreation Management from the University of Utah, where she graduated cum laude. She has also completed several executive education programs, including a leadership development course at the Harvard Kennedy School of Government, further strengthening her strategic and operational expertise in the public sector.
Areas of Expertise
- Parks and recreation management
- Community engagement and outreach
- Sustainable infrastructure development
- Program design and implementation
- Public-private partnerships
- Budget and resource allocation
- Policy and regulatory compliance
Professional Impact
Throughout her career, Michele has been recognized for her outstanding contributions to the parks and recreation industry. She has served on the board of directors for the National Recreation and Park Association, where she has advocated for the development of national standards and best practices. Additionally, she has been invited to speak at numerous industry conferences and events, sharing her insights on emerging trends, innovative programming, and the role of parks and recreation in building resilient communities.
Conclusion
With her exceptional leadership skills, deep industry knowledge, and unwavering commitment to serving the community, Michele Nekota is positioned to continue driving transformative change within the Honolulu Parks & Recreation Department and beyond. Her proven track record of success and her ability to cultivate collaborative partnerships make her a valuable asset in the parks and recreation sector, poised to make a lasting impact on the lives of the people she serves.
