Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Awards
Committees
Timeline
Generic

Karen Bradley Ehler

Bowie

Summary

Dynamic leader with a proven track record at Howard County Recreation and Parks, excelling in community engagement and Arts programs & Events. Skilled in marketing and data collection and analysis, I've successfully recruited Sponsors to help fund Special Events and enhanced program participation by over 30%. Known for creativity and effective public speaking, I foster inclusive environments and drive impactful community initiatives. I enjoy working both independently and with a team to accomplish a goal. I have retired from Howard County Recreation and Parks to relocate, for a change, and to seek out new adventures. I am looking for a position where I can work independently and with some flexibility.

Overview

37
37
years of professional experience

Work History

Recreation Supervisor

Howard County Recreation and Parks
08.2004 - 12.2024


POSITION SUMMARY:

Provide coordination and supervision for Special Events and Contractor Camps.


CLASS DESCRIPTION:

The Supervisor Performs professional level recreation services work, which may include supervision, under general supervision from an administrative or technical superior. Work includes overseeing the safe and efficient operation of activities at school and department recreational facilities, parks and private recreational facilities; or overseeing the operation of programs in specific functional areas under the direction of a recreation supervisor. Assists in analyzing marketing data for program promotion and customer service. Work also includes the supervision of contingent, part-time staff and volunteers; overseeing the approved budget; and preparing information for recreation supervisor for seasonal and fiscal reports.

Other duties may be assigned:

  • Works and cooperates with co-workers and supervisors at all levels.
  • Learns and performs all essential job functions accurately.
  • Coordinate with supervisor on the research, planning and implementation of special projects, events and contractor camps.
  • Responsible for the planning and implementation of special events and contractor camps as directed by the Recreation Manager.
  • Under the direction and supervision of the Recreation Manager, research, design, implement and evaluate programs and events or projects in cooperation with community groups, business and tourism establishments, partnerships, focus groups, sponsorships and programs based on need relating to Special Events, and youth summer contract camps.
  • Responsible for the planning and implementation of summer concerts and July is Recreation and Parks Month.
  • Responsible for planning and implementation of specialty summer camps; sections including, but not limited to: Crafts and Fine Arts, Theater and In Character as directed by the Recreation Manager.
  • Recruit, hire and train qualified independent or corporate contractors to instruct youth camps.
  • Prepare correspondence for event staff and volunteers.
  • Recruit and hire professional entertainers/performers for Concerts and Special Events.
  • Prepare information to supervisor for the Division’s monthly report.
  • Prepare and enter all programs/events for Recreation and Parks seasonal brochure and ActiveNet/ActiveWorks and check for accuracy in the ActiveNet database.
  • Provide customer service regarding suitable programming, prepare program evaluations, organize comments/complaints.
  • Assist contractors/staff with participant/program/material/supply questions.
  • Monitor fiscal guidelines relating to budget, purchasing, seasonal reports, creating budget worksheets for each program and overall fiscal management.
  • Complete part-time payroll entry, monitor contractors and process invoices and identify trends and implement suitable programs as needed.
  • Prepare seasonal marketing, social media and supplemental marketing materials for upcoming programs/events and camps.
  • Public relations and marketing tasks may include working with the Marketing Director and team in developing public service announcements for media, social media posts, creating and planning videos, assisting with supplemental programs and services, developing marketing plans for events and camps.
  • May include public speaking to include community groups, local and regional committees relating to specialized program area, presentations at workshops and trainings, and at public events. Also, public speaking within the department and local community groups in a promotion or training format regarding the promotion of events and contract camp offerings.
  • Recruit and Document Sponsorship opportunities.
  • Coordinate with Board of Education and County facility permit coordinators for use of facility; prepare and manage permits.
  • Schedule and may supervise part-time contingent staff and volunteers for events.
  • Directly Supervise Events with Manager to include but not limited to: Department Camp Fair, Family Dance at HTCC, EAAA Egg Hunt, Family Volunteer Day, Wine in the Woods, Good Vibes and Voices concert and event, Summer Concert Series, Recreation and Park month, EAAA Car Show, Journey to Hogwarts Family Event, Pet Parade, EAAA Haunted House Experience, Earth Day, Holiday Mart.
  • Event supervision may include submitting work orders, preparing and/or delivering supplies needed for events, working as staff at events, supervising contingent staff, driving Department vehicles to move supplies and setting up/cleaning up before and after events.
  • Support additional outreach events as needed for example, Toys for Tots, Department Outreach events, Reindeer Games, Community events.
  • Provide computer support, gather information and data to generate reports.
  • Responsible for identifying and applying good sustainability practices into all aspects of department operations.
  • This role may be deemed as essential in an emergency at the discretion of the directors.


SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the organization’s policies and applicable laws. This employee does assist the Recreation Services Manager with the monitoring of performance from contingent workers and contractors. Responsibilities include assisting with interviewing, hiring, and training employees and contractors; planning, assigning, and directing work; appraising performance; rewarding and disciplining employees and volunteers; addressing complaints and resolving problems.


Recreation Leader

Howard County Recreation and Parks
06.1988 - 08.2004


The Recreation Leader is responsible for planning, organizing, and supervising recreational activities for various age groups at county parks and facilities, ensuring the safety of participants while delivering engaging programs that align with the department's goals, including sports leagues, arts and crafts, camps, and special events, often requiring flexible hours including evenings and weekends.


Key responsibilities may include:

  • Program Planning and Implementation: Designing and executing recreational programs based on community needs, including lesson plans, activity schedules, and participant registration.
  • Participant Supervision: Actively monitoring participants during activities to maintain safety, address concerns, and enforce rules.
  • Leadership and Instruction: Providing clear instructions and guidance to participants of all skill levels, adapting activities as needed.
  • Facility Management: Setting up and breaking down equipment, maintaining cleanliness of program areas, and ensuring proper use of facilities.
  • Customer Service: Interacting with participants, parents, and other staff in a positive and professional manner, addressing inquiries and resolving issues.
  • Administrative Tasks:Completing required paperwork, including attendance records, incident reports, and program evaluations.
  • Community Outreach:Promoting programs through marketing materials, community events, and outreach initiatives.


Required Skills and Qualifications:

  • Strong communication and interpersonal skills to effectively interact with diverse groups
  • Ability to plan and organize engaging recreational activities
  • Knowledge of safety procedures and emergency response protocols
  • Physical ability to actively participate in recreational activities
  • CPR and First Aid certification was required


Program Areas Included:

  • Summer camps
  • Arts and crafts programs
  • Before and After School Programs
  • Theater Programs and Camps
  • Special Events
  • Senior citizen activities
  • Adaptive recreation for individuals with disabilities

Education

Bachelor of Arts - Theater Arts / English Literature

University of Maryland
College Park
05-1999

Skills

  • Data Collection and analyzation
  • Office Computer Skills
  • Community engagement
  • Writing and Proofreading
  • Inclusive practices
  • Adaptive programming
  • Security protocols
  • Creativity
  • Marketing
  • Public Speaking
  • Visual Arts
  • Event planning

Awards

1996 UMCP Theater Department Merit Award for Puppeteering

1998 UMCP Theater Department Highest Attendance at a student directed production 

2010 Howard County Recreation and Parks Employee of the Year

2014 MRPA Arts Showcase Committeeof the Year

2020 MRPA Arts Showcase Committee of the Year

2024 MRPA Cultural Arts Showcase Committee of the Year

Committees

While at Howard County Recreation and Parks, I served on several employee committees to help enhance our work environment as well as two large community event committees that required larger Department participation.


  • Annual Department Employee Holiday Party Committee
  • Department Sustainability Committee
  • Holiday Mart Event Committee - Annual Holiday Arts/Crafts show with over 125 Crafters and thousands of shoppers in attendance for over 50 years. Event includes food vendors and additional activities such as crafts for kids, raffles, and music.
  • Wine in the Woods Event Committee - WIW is an annual Wine and Arts event occuring in May that takes place over a weekend with approximately 40,000 attendees. The event includes food vendors and wine tasting; showcasing Maryland Wineries exclusively. Assisted Stage Manager with booking the bands for two stages and served as Emcee on one stage during the event. Originally began working on this committee as the assistant to the Chair.
  • MRPA (Maryland Recreation and Parks Association) Annual Cultural Arts Event Committee - Served as a Liason between HCRP and MRPA as it was a joint effort / partnership event. Also assisted in the overall planning and as Host / Emcee on the day of the event which included greeting performers back stage, making announcements, and introducing performers to the audience.


Timeline

Recreation Supervisor

Howard County Recreation and Parks
08.2004 - 12.2024

Recreation Leader

Howard County Recreation and Parks
06.1988 - 08.2004

Bachelor of Arts - Theater Arts / English Literature

University of Maryland
Karen Bradley Ehler