The Emporia Recreation Commission has concluded its finalist interviews for the next Director of Rec Operations.
Interviewing for the position Tuesday evening were former facility program manager for Deerfield Park District in Illinois John Mark Woolums and current interim ERC Director and longtime Assistant Director Amanda Gutierrez.
Woolums tells KVOE News he is looking to come to Emporia as it is the next logical step in his career, during which he has held virtually every position in the recreation profession, aside from being a director. Additionally, Woolums says the move to Emporia would not be much of an adjustment.
Audio PlayerIf chosen, Woolums says program development would be a major focus for him, saying it is one of the many strengths he brings to the table.
Audio PlayerGutierrez, who originally came to Emporia nearly 30 years ago to play basketball for Emporia State University, has worked in local recreation for over two decades and believes her connections to the community and wealth of knowledge in ERC operations would serve her and the rec center well if chosen. During our interview with Gutierrez, KVOE News asked if the possibility of not being selected for the role would affect her presence with the rec center in the future.
Gutierrez stated it would not, as she simply wants to serve and improve the community regardless of her title.
Audio PlayerIf selected for the role, Gutierrez says one of her primary focuses will be on how to continue improving rec operations and programming in the ERC’s current facility at the Lee Beran Recreation Center, noting the large amount of focus that had been placed on the new proposed center at Champions Landing.
Audio PlayerGutierrez and Woolums’ interviews follow Fred Lowery, the current Superintendent of Hilton Head Recreation in South Carolina, who was interviewed last week. The ERC has not given an exact date for when it will announce the next director, however, they have indicated an announcement could be made during the commission’s next regular meeting Monday.
The chosen candidate will replace longtime director Tom McEvoy, who retired in December after nearly 40 years of local recreation work.
