"I first attended LTI in 1998 and am very proud to say that I continue to be in contact with the many folks I met there. On many occasions when placed in leadership roles in my current position, I reflect back on the experiences and training I gained while in attendance both in 1998 and when I attended the graduate program in 2008.  Going in as a newbie to the field, LTI helped me see that Parks & Recreation was exactly where I needed to be.  From the networking and leadership opportunities during the team building, to the trainers and educational opportunities during the sessions, to the FUN overall, LTI encompasses the best our field has to offer.   I highly encourage all in the parks and recreation field to attend LTI and let your experiences there lead you to open new doors in your future."   

Angie Sims, CPRP, James City County Parks & Recreation

 Dr. Zinerva (ZIN) White Jr. is a native of Florida, receiving his undergraduate degree from Florida A & M University and Master and Doctorate degrees from Beacon University.  In March 2008, Dr. White was the recipient of the 2008 Florida A & M University Alumni Association's Distinguished Alumni Award.

Upon receiving a Commission as an Officer, he served 21 years in the US Army as a Commander and Training & Development Officer. Over the course of his career, he received the Combat Infantryman's Badge, the Silver Star for heroism, Soldiers Medal for heroism, Bronze Star, Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry for heroism, two Air Medals and two Purple Hearts for wounds received in combat, among others.

 

Upon retirement from the military, Dr. White became Divisional Vice President for Ideal Incorporated in Texas, where he was instrumental in establishing Training and Distribution Centers throughout the state, moving his division from the bottom to the 2nd highest in the company. Upon completion of his tenure with Ideal, he was employed by the City of Norfolk, VA, working as a local Government Organizational Training and Development Officer. During this time, he was instrumental in working hands-on with City Managers and Department leaders, assisting them in developing strategies for improving the performance of local government, thereby, helping them realize their vision of higher performance.

 

Currently he is involved in many facets of organizational development with universities, governmental organizations and business leaders and has conducted Leadership Retreats throughout the United States.  Accordingly, he has been able to impact many organizations for change. For the past eighteen (19) years, Dr. White has served as a Leadership Development Consultant and facilitator for the Weldon Cooper Center at the University of Virginia. As a facilitator and team leader for the Senior Executive Institute and the LEAD programs, he has been able to create a unique team building environment.   

His motto is,  "We Can Make a Difference and It Begins with Me." 

LTI is made possible by...

Kat currently holds the position of Aquatics Specialist II at Splashdown Waterpark in Manassas. She got her start in recreation as a lifeguard with Prince William County when she was 15. After graduating from college, she went on to teach high school history and coach the varsity dance team, but came back to her passion of aquatics in 2010. She just "retired" from coaching dance after 10 years in June '17. She currently enjoys being a mentor and supervisor to many employees experiencing their first job.

 

Kat attended LTI in 2012, which was her first introduction to VRPS as well as future leadership opportunities. She developed professional relationships with other VRPS members and immediately applied to serve as a committee member for the next Institute. With each institute she attends, she continues to learn more about herself as a leader - not only from the sessions that are held but through the other individuals that attend. The networking opportunities and idea sharing at LTI are like no other VRPS experience.

 

Kat has been a LTI committee member for 6 years, currently serving as the Co-Chair.  In addition, she is also finishing up her year as Chair of the Northern Service Area. Through her work on both committees, she has been exposed to many opportunities and networks and cannot stress enough to get involved in VRPS... no role is too large or too small...they all help contribute to the profession.

April 15-17, 2018

Wintergreen Resort

Don't Miss Out!!!

VRPS | 804-730-9447 | vrps@vrps.com |  Leadership Training Institute 2018