2026 Virtual Leadership in Action Summit

One day. Four sessions. Nationally-recognized speakers. Countless ways to grow your leadership capabilities.

The Leadership in Action Summit brings top voices in parks and recreation directly to your screen for a day built around the skills you need to be the most effective parks and recreation professional you can be. Inspired by the National Recreation and Park Association's Leadership Framework, the Leadership in Action Summit touches on all six core leadership competencies (leading equity, leading change, leading advocacy, leading impact, leading people, and leading results).

Agenda:
9:30 - 11:00am  Thinking and Thriving as a Leader - Luca Twohie and Tameca Brown
In this session, Luca and Tameca focus on how leadership requires more than technical expertise - it calls for self-awareness, communication, and purpose in guiding people. Together, we explore how to shift your mindset, identify key leadership capabilities, discuss common challenges, and share practical tools and real-world insights that participants could immediately apply in their roles.

11:15am - 12:15pm  Transformational Leadership - Lori Hoffner
Do you know the difference between transactional leadership and transformational leadership and why it makes a difference in EVERY industry? As the saying goes; “the only constant is change,” and if it’s important for you and your organization to move into the future with positive growth and a thriving staff, you will want to understand how to support this change. This includes appreciating leaders with strength of vision and personality who can inspire followers to change expectations, perceptions, and motivations to work towards common goals. Additionally, that change happens when there is an increase in the leader’s expectation of the follower’s performance which will result in overall increased performance.

1:00 - 2:00pm How to Think Big in Parks and Recreation - Chris Nunes
Unlock new potential in this session designed to inspire a bold, expansive approach to community development. This engaging workshop empowers parks and recreation professionals to envision and implement impactful projects, groundbreaking programs, and innovate services that will address evolving community needs. Participants will explore practical strategies for recognizing emerging opportunities, effectively utilizing resources, and building strong community partnerships. By the end, attendees will be equipped with the skills and mindset to lead transformative initiatives that enhance the quality and accessibility of parks and recreation for all.

2:15 - 3:15pm  Mastering the Art of Persuasion - From Team Huddle to Town Hall - James More
In today's dynamic landscape, effectively communicating the value of parks and recreation to teammates and politicians is paramount. This session equips professionals with essential skills to craft powerful arguments, understand diverse perspectives, and foster meaningful community and team engagement. Through practical examples tailored to the parks and recreation field, you'll learn to articulate benefits, analyze persuasive techniques, develop communication strategies, navigate challenging conversations, and inspire action in your team and the community. Amplify your voice and become a more persuasive leader on your teams and advocate for the vital role of parks and recreation in enhancing quality of life.

Meet the Speakers:

Luca Twohie, SHPR, SHRM-CP, CPRP - Talent Acquisition & Employment Manager | Fairfax County Park Authority
Luca Twohie is a human resources and park and recreation professional with extensive experience in recruitment, workforce development, and employee engagement. As Talent Acquisition and Employment Manager with the Fairfax County Park Authority, Luca leads initiatives supporting full-cycle recruitment, seasonal workforce strategy, and early talent development, including the agency-wide internship program. With a focus on building strong talent pipelines, strengthening community partnerships, and improving the employee experience, Luca is passionate about connecting people with meaningful opportunities and helping organizations build engaged, effective workforces. Luca brings a collaborative, people-centered approach to advancing workforce initiatives and supporting organizational success.

Dr. Tameca N. Brown, DBA, CPTD - Organizational Development & Training Manager | Fairfax County Park Athority
Dr. Tameca N. Brown is an organizational development and talent development professional with extensive experience helping leaders and teams strengthen their effectiveness, navigate change, and improve organizational performance.

As Organizational Development and Training Manager with the Fairfax County Park Authority, she leads initiatives focused on leadership development, employee learning, organizational effectiveness, and workforce capability. Her work includes designing and facilitating leadership development programs, providing leadership coaching, and partnering with teams to address organizational challenges and strengthen collaboration.

A Certified Professional in Talent Development (CPTD), Prosci-certified change practitioner, and certified emotional intelligence coach, Dr. Brown brings a practical, evidence-informed approach to leadership development. She is passionate about equipping leaders with the mindset, skills, and tools to lead themselves, their teams, and their organizations effectively.

Lori A. Hoffner - Organizational Development Speaker & Trainer | Supporting CommUnity, Inc. 
Lori A. Hoffner is an Organizational Development Speaker & Trainer who has worked alongside parks and recreation professionals nationwide since 1997. As founder of Supporting CommUnity, Inc., she specializes in staff engagement, leadership development, workplace culture, and the unique challenges of serving diverse communities. With a background in education and psychology and experience as an elected park and recreation district board member, Lori brings practical, human-centered insight to her work. Her high-energy, relatable trainings build professionalism, accountability, resilience, and stronger teams and community relationships. 



Chris Nunes, CPRE - Chief Operating Officer | The Woodlands Township, TX
Chris Nunes, CPRE is the Chief Operating Officer for The Woodlands Township, in The Woodlands, Texas.  In that position, he oversees a $50+ million operational budget and is accountable for the management of 151 parks, 14 swimming pools and aquatic facilities, 220 miles of pathways, 200 miles of streetscape and other municipal enterprises.  He speaks around the country (over 950+ times) on topics including business plans, contracting, innovation, relevant services, creative programming, marketing, external funding, communication, leadership, and succession planning. Chris holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Recreation Management and a Master’s Degree in Sports Management from Springfield College in Massachusetts and a Doctorate in Parks and Recreation Administration from the University of New Mexico.


Dr. James Moore - Chief Executive Officer | Athletify
Dr. James Moore has spent most of his career living in Asia and working in the retail, consulting, and government sectors, where he set up four wholly foreign owned enterprises and was a former Senior Government Consultant at the Entrepreneurship and Innovation Bureau in Hangzhou, China. He was the first American to hold such a position. He is currently a co-founder of Athletify and the We Believe App. He also sits on the board of a global consulting firm in Salt Lake City and owns a real estate company. He holds a BA in Chinese from Brigham Young University, a Ph.D. from Zhejiang University in Entrepreneurship Management, and an MPA from Harvard. James and his wife are the proud parents of five children. He is a sports enthusiast and particularly loves coaching his children.

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Cancellation and Refund Policy: PRPS will refund your registration, less a $10 processing fee, if your cancellation is received in writing at least 10 business days prior to the event. No refunds/credits will be given for cancellations occurring less than 10 business days prior to an event. Substitute attendees are welcomed in lieu of cancellations; please contact the PRPS office to arrange this.

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