Overview

Throughout her 33-year career, Sue has been heavily engaged in professional organizations; local, state and national agencies; and non-profit and private entities in order to promote memorable recreation experiences throughout the nation’s parks. Sue is a visionary with tangible, positive results. She has an Innovative management style and has been influential in technological advances. Sue enjoys what she does and has a passion for the Natural Resources profession as well as thick skin, and is loyal and committed to every community she has served.

Education
Master of Arts in Education and Recreation, University of Phoenix
Bachelor of Science in recreation Resource Management, University of Wisconsin-Madison

Experience
Executive Director, Arizona State Parks and Trails, 2015-2018
Owner, Milwaukee Wave, 2013-2015
Director, Department of Parks, Recreation and Culture, Milwaukee County, 2004-2012
Director, Wisconsin State Parks and Recreation, 1997-2003
Chief of Operations, Arizona State Parks, 1993-1997
Chief of Operations, Dane County (Wisconsin) Parks Department, 1991-1993
Director, Youth Programs, YMCA, Madison, WI, 1988-1990
Director, Parks and Recreation, City of Portage, WI, 1986-1988
Director, Parks and Recreation, City of Green Lake, 1981-1985

Experience
CAPRA award - First state park system in the nation to become accredited (2018)
Industry leader in creating public-private partnerships
National Gold Medal Award Recipient (Arizona State Parks & Trails, 2017)
National Gold Medal Award Recipient (Milwaukee County Parks, 2009)
Two-Time National Gold Medal Award Finalist (Wisconsin, 2001 & 2003) 
Nominated Head Judge of the National Gold Medal Award Panel (2013-2014)
NRPA R.O.S.E. Award (Recognition of Significant Effort) 2009 
Organizational change management expertise within both public and private sectors
Record revenue and attendance increases at multiple agencies
Highly adept at managing a diverse workgroup
Administered multi-million budgets with precision

Colleagues & References

Rod Tarullo
Director of Parks, Recreation and Golf
Golden, Colorado

Dr. John Crompton
Department of Recreation, Park and Tourism Sciences
Texas A&M University 

George Meyer
Executive Director, Wisconsin Wildlife Federation
Former Secretary of Wisconsin DNR

Gerry Broderick
Milwaukee County Board Supervisor
Chair of Parks, Energy & Environment Committee

Jon Mukri
General Manager
City of Los Angeles

Michael Cudahy
Philanthropist
President, The Endeavors Group LLC

Fran Mainella
Visiting Scholar, Clemson University
Former Director of National Park Service