1. 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

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

3. My Major Transitions

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

5. 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

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

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

8. 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

9. 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

10. 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

11. 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

12. 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

13. 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

14. Let’s Get Active

15. 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

16. 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

17. 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

18. Questions?