mParks Committees are charged with investigating, recommending, and taking action on initiatives that support the Association’s mission, goals, and strategic priorities. The four mParks Committees represent the the mParks Pillars.

Each committee includes eleven official members: a chairperson, a mParks Director at Large, regional representatives from Region 1: mParks West  Region, Region 2: mParks Southern Region, Region 3: mParks Wayne & Monroe Region, Region 4: mParks Northwest Region, Region 5: mParks Northeast Region, Region 6: mParks Great Lakes Bay Region, an dRegion 7: mParks Knuckles Knorth Region, and up to two mParks Presidential Strategic Appointments.

Each Committee has an online member group on the mParks CommUnity portal for communication and collaboration. Use the links below to join a group and connect with peers who share your interests. Participation in the Advocate Committee is open to all members, while the Teach, Inspire, and Unite Committees are reserved exclusively for appointed committee members to focus on strategic initiatives. 

Upcoming meeting dates and event details can be found in the mParks Event Calendar or in the mParks Online CommUnity. ​

Advocate Committee
Advances the field of parks and recreation by influencing policy, engaging in advocacy, and building strategic relationships with key decision-makers. Monitors legislation, recommends positions to the Board of Directors, and champions resources that support local, state, and national priorities.

CHAIR
Derek Smith, CPRP
Director
​Northville Parks & Recreation

• Stacy Bare - Executive Director, Friends of Grand Rapids Parks
  
• Nicole Gerhart, CPRP -  Director, Van Buren Charter Township Recreation
• Greg Grothous, CPRP - Director of Public Works, City of St. Joseph
• Brett Kaschinske, CPRP - Director, Lansing Parks & Recreation
• Tami Letcavage, CPRP - Director, Clinton Township Recreation
• Kyle Lewis, CPRP - Director, Jackson County Parks Department
• Patrick Linihan, CPRE - Director, Genesee County Parks & Recreation Commission
• Jason Shamblin - Director, Ottawa County Parks & Recreation Commission
• LaReina Wheeler, MHA, CPRP, AFO - Director, Ferndale Parks & Recreation
• Nick Wing - Recreation Manager, Midland Parks & Recreation

Join the advocate committee community group

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Teach Committee
Enhances member career growth by providing training, workshops, and professional learning opportunities. Creates plans that support member development through targeted education, certification guidance, and access to valuable resources for professionals at all levels.

CHAIR
Ashton Anthony, CPRP, CPSI
Deputy Director
Kalamazoo Parks & Recreation

• Danielle Baucom - Support Services, Kalamazoo Parks & Recreation
• Lori Irwin, Ed.D, CPRP - Associate Professor, Central Michigan University
• Taylor Jutila - Operations Director, Mecosta County Park Commission
• Lee Miller, CPRP - Recreation Administrator, Delta Township Parks & Recreation
• Greg Morris, CPRP, CFEA - Assistant Director, Northville Parks & Recreation
• Mary Patay, Ph.D., CPRE - Director, Mackinac Island Recreation
• Bridget Renwick, CPM, CPRP - Recreation Superintendent, Northville Parks & Recreation
• Michele Vannerson, CPRP - Director, Chesterfield Township Parks, Recreation, and Senior Services

Participation on the Teach Committee is reserved exclusively for appointed committee members.

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Inspire Committee
Elevates the profession by fostering meaningful connections, celebrating member achievements, and recognizing excellence. Facilitates peer engagement, strengthens the member experience, and oversees the awards nomination and selection process for professional, organizational, and community service awards.

CHAIR
Melissa Nawrocki, CPRP
Recreation Program Supervisor
Oakland County Parks and Recreation

• Sal DiCaro, CPRP - Director, Macomb Township Parks & Recreation
• Darrin Duistermars - Director, Holland Charter Township Recreation
• Ryan Gajewski - Chief Strategy Officer, Truscott Rossman
• Ken Grybel, CPRP, CYSA- Director of Recreation, Brighton Community Education
• Michelle Koppin, AFO, CPRP - Assistant Superintendent, Livonia Parks & Recreation
• Rachel Roon - Fairgrounds and Parks Program Manager, Emmet County Parks & Recreation Director
• Dan Sullivan - Recreation Superintendent, Oxford Township Parks & Recreation
• Kyle Thornton - Parks & Green Space Coordinator, Clinton County Parks & Green Space
• Linda Walter, CPRP - Retired Member
• LaReina Wheeler, MHA, CPRP, AFO - Director, Ferndale Parks & Recreation

Participation on the Inspire Committee CommUnity is reserved exclusively for appointed committee members.

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Unite Committee
Builds connections and fosters a sense of belonging within the parks and recreation community. Promotes inclusive practices and equitable policies, creates strategies to expand diverse participation, and supports both internal and external efforts to cultivate welcoming environments for all.

CHAIR
Zach Zuchowicz, MPH, CDP, CWP, NDCCP
DEI and Community Engagement Coordinator
Oakland County Parks & Recreation

• Dr. Shawnrece Butler, Ph.D, MBA - Assistant Vice President, Office of Opportunity, Empowerment & People, Northern Michigan University
• Lynn Clarke, CPRP - Recreation Supervisor, Wyoming Parks & Recreation
• Michelle Ervin - Programming Director, Onekama Township
• Sara Frederick - Deputy Director,  Recreation Authority of Roseville & Eastpointe
• Dr. Jacquie Medina, Ed.D, CIT, CIG - Professor, Outdoor Recreation Leadership & Management Coordinator, Northern Michigan University
• Greg Morris, CPRP, CFEA - Assistant Director, Northville Parks & Recreation
• Emily Stevens, CPRP - Deputy Director, Lansing Parks & Recreation
• Evan Sweet, CPRP - Events & Enrichment Specialist, Canton Leisure Services
• Kyle Thornton - Parks & Green Space Coordinator, Clinton County Parks & Green Space

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Participation in the Unite Committee CommUnity is reserved exclusively for appointed committee members.