South Region Representative Candidate: Nick Scala

What motivates you to be a part of APRA Leadership?

Over the years, I have been fortunate to receive countless opportunities for professional growth through APRA. These experiences have profoundly shaped not only my development as a Parks and Recreation professional but also the direction of my career. They have inspired me to give back by helping ensure that my peers and colleagues continue to have access to the same opportunities for growth and advancement well into the future.

 

What do you envision as the primary function of the position you are seeking and what skills do you have that would most benefit the Association if elected to the position?

I envision the primary function of this role as serving as a strong voice for the southern region of Arizona, ensuring our organizations are well represented and have access to a wide range of opportunities through APRA. I also look forward to contributing input and feedback that will help shape the direction and growth of the APRA organization as a whole. I believe my ability to collaborate and communicate effectively will enable me to be successful in this role. In addition, my strength in finding creative and innovative solutions will serve to benefit the Association and enhance the overall membership experience.

 

One of the greatest challenges facing APRA is the delivery of innovative and applicable professional development opportunities. What approach would you employ towards identifying potential training opportunities and how would you determine their overall effectiveness in meeting the needs of the membership? What strategy would you utilize for the development and implementation of these development opportunities?

My plan to address this challenge is to engage directly with leadership in my region to identify the professional development opportunities their staff need most. I also plan to connect with members to determine the most convenient times to offer these opportunities. While interest in professional development is strong, I recognize that scheduling plays a critical role in ensuring participation and accessibility. Once these details are determined, I would work to bring in engaging and knowledgeable individuals to ensure the opportunities are both enriching and valuable for our membership.

 

How do you plan to engage with members in your role on the board and what goals do you have to help improve the overall member experience?

I plan to provide regular communication with members while actively seeking feedback to ensure I am serving the region effectively. My goal is to build participation and expand our reach by offering engaging opportunities that connect and benefit more members.