LEONARDTOWN, Md. – St. Mary’s County Government’s Department of Recreation & Parks (R&P) is proud to announce that three staff members have successfully completed prestigious professional development programs through the Maryland Recreation & Parks Association (MRPA). The team members were formally recognized during the MRPA Annual State Conference, held April 21–23, 2026, in Cambridge, Maryland.
Brandan Ballew, Parks Maintenance Supervisor, completed the 2025–2026 Operations University program. This intensive, eight-month training is designed to cultivate future operations leaders by providing practical, hands-on knowledge to enhance park management and prepare participants for advanced leadership roles within their organizations. Topics in this program included stormwater management, athletic field management, snow and ice management, trail development, playground maintenance and accessibility, professional development, and more.
Callee Henningfeld, Parks Operations Coordinator, and Zachary Zalovick, Sports Program Coordinator, graduated from the 2025–2026 Ritch Stevenson Leadership Institute. The program focuses on developing emerging leaders in the recreation and parks field, equipping participants with the skills and insight needed to grow within their organizations and contribute to the broader recreation and parks community.
Congratulations to all three outstanding employees. Continued professional development helps R&P enhance the services provided to the community—from recreation programs to the parks and facilities where people come together.
For more information about St. Mary’s County Recreation & Parks, please visit: www.stmaryscountymd.gov/recreate.
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