Making the Transition from Programmer to Administrator Don Rockey Coastal Carolina University Addison Jarrell, Director City of Conway Parks, Recreation, and Tourism The Programming Summit 2019

TRANSITIONS IN PERSONAL LIFE Marriage Birth of Children Divorce (50-50 chance) Death Relocations

My Major Transitions

TRANSITIONS IN PROFESSIONAL LIFE School- Grade to Grade College maybe Graduate School Work- entry level Professional Development Supervisor Role Administration?

Points to Consider before Making the Transition Do you understand the job? The requirements, paperwork, move from hands-on, direct service Why do you want the job? Is it for the right reasons? Are you willing to put forth effort to build relationships? Get to know people

Points to Consider before Making the Transition 40% of newly promoted managers are NOT in position within 18 months of transition

Aspiring to Make Transition Communicate interest to current director Find service gap and fill it Build relationships Learn political landscape

Challenges of Making the Transition Moving From Co-Worker to Boss Balancing the Checkbook Overall Pressure of Perceived Failure Managing Staff The Programming Summit 2014

Challenges of Making the Transition Politics!!! Leaning on colleagues Delegate- Don’t try to do it all Can’t Make All People Happy Face of Failure The Programming Summit 2014

Tips from the Pros Keep building relationships- Vendors, Partnerships, Community Navigate the political minefield Communicate- expectations, purpose, goals, objectives, vision, mission Focus on new roles and responsibilities

In First Month in New Role Meet and Greet- get to know key people, internally and externally Listen more and talk less- Learn as much as you can, ask questions Find out what success looks like- expectations Scott Elbin, The Next Level

Final Words of Advice Be positive Enjoy what you do Be true to who you are- Is the move really what you want? Be willing to give up ownership of programs/events

Final Words of Advice Stay up with national trends- NPRA Branch out- you have to be well-rounded, but don’t have to do it all Be honest- always tell the truth Surround yourself with good people and retain them- Identify Keep track of longer term goals

Let’s Get Active

Special Thanks to the Following Directors Rob Boyd, Senatobia (MS) Parks Director Foster Hughes, Director of New Bern Parks, Recreation, and Tourism Melissa Battite, Director of Lexington (MA) Recreation & Community Programs

Special Thanks to the Following Directors Pam Reidy, Director of Parks & Recreation Dept. Mooresville (NC) Tom O’Rourke, Former Director of Charleston Co. Parks and Recreation Dept. John Taylor, Director of Rock Hill Parks, Recreation, and Tourism Department

Special Thanks to the Following Directors Rick Meyer, Director of North Augusta Parks, Recreation, & Tourism Dept. Bonnie Fitz, Director of York County (VA) Parks and Recreation

Questions?