AJ Ferguson Bio Coming Soon!
Angela Summers Bio Coming Soon!
Annie Frisoli Annie's journey towards becoming Founder & CEO of Creating Community LLC includes a combination of education, professional certifications, and life experiences. Her adventure has included having the honor of being a 20-year university faculty member in park, recreation and event management, facilitator of staff development for parks and recreation agencies across the U.S., strategic planning consultant for state parks and recreation associations and municipalities, culture design consultant for various park and recreation agencies, and recent author of book Leadership by Design (that includes 28 different park, recreation and event professionals insights and quotes), - and even more importantly a wife, daughter, sibling, mentor, best friend, and the 1st International Ambassador for the Canadian Hi-5 Run.
Chase Ellis Bio Coming Soon!
Chris Stevenson Chris Stevenson, the author of the textbook "Fitness Facility Management" and a columnist for the Athletic Business Journal, is an accomplished speaker with a global footprint. He has presented dynamic sessions in over a dozen countries and over half of the 50 states. As a former Power Ranger stuntman and founder of The Empower Group, Chris draws from over 20 years of hands-on experience owning and operating highly successful health clubs, consistently achieving industry-leading net promoter scores. His expertise lies in leadership, communication, employee engagement, and customer service, making him a sought-after authority in various industries, including health and fitness, indoor rock climbing, parks and recreation, and more. Beyond his business acumen, Chris has served as a board member, committee member, and published author, contributing to his holistic perspective on industry dynamics. When he isn't entertaining and educating audiences, you can find him in the gym, on a snowboard, or cheering for his sons on the football field. Chris has the unique ability to connect with people instantaneously and to present viable, applicable lectures that resonate with every audience.
Hank Ebeling Hank Ebeling is a sought-after speaker and small-business entrepreneur and the founder and owner of H4 Training gyms. He's built his career on a passion for customer service and customer experience, and today helps other small business owners transform their customer service.
Holly Meagher Holly's career spans roles at the Utah State Capitol, U.S. Senate, and White House. She is currently a Senior Associate with the lobbying firm Foxley & Pignanelli where she services as the Managing Director of the Utah Financial Services Foundation. With degrees and certifications from University of Utah and University of Virginia in Communication, Broadcast Journalism and Marketing she excels in fundraising for political campaigns, non-profits, parks, and recreation projects. Holly has secured funding for initiatives like the Spike 150 celebration and community playgrounds, transforming shared spaces into lasting legacies. Active in her Utah County community, she serves on multiple boards and committees.
Joey Rusnak Joey Rusnak, founder of Lifeguard Authority, began his recreational career in the aquatics industry in his teen years. After completing studies in hospitality management, he quickly realized his heart was in recreation and returned to school to study Recreation and Leisure Services. Over the course of his career in aquatics, he has had the privilege to lead many teams in various recreation departments for indoor/outdoor/waterfront aquatic operations, general community programs, community development, fitness, camps, preschool, skating and sports. He stays connected and actively collaborates with recreation professionals internationally, always seeking new and innovative ways to engage communities, teams, and to prevent and eliminate drowning. Joey is committed to continual self-development and learning and can be found attending various aquatic and recreation conferences across sectors. His personal mantra is connect, collaborate, and contribute.
Lisa Licata Lisa is the Senior Director Professional Youth Sports Administrator at NAYS. She has made hundreds of presentations at conferences around the country since joining NAYS in 1995. A Florida Atlantic University graduate, with a master’s degree in business administration, this mom of two is an avid concertgoer, runner and outdoor enthusiast.
Lynda Ross Lynda Ross, is the co-author of best seller, Leadership in Trying Times, entrepreneur and avid pickleball player. A public speaker by accident or grace, she coaches engineers, athletes, doctors, teachers, and parents become memorable, quotable and if lucky, even change the world!
Marisa Hoff Marisa Hoff, Partner at The Empower Group, is a distinguished speaker with a B.S. in Psychology and master's in education, emphasizing Educational Leadership. Marisa has been a featured speaker at major international conferences since 2015. She has recently spoken at many state conferences including Utah, Arizona, and Montana as well as speaking at NRPA. Formerly the General Manager of an award-winning Southern California health club, she played a pivotal role in its success.