Lakita is an accomplished executive with extensive experience leading strategic planning, organizational development, and facility construction. She is a Certified Parks and Recreation Professional and was inducted into the American Academy of Parks and Recreation Administration (AAPRA) in 2020. She has expertise in establishing long-term relationships with staff at all levels to achieve performance and productivity. Adept at managing strategic planning, budgets, critical problem analysis, and public relations, Lakita is proficient in fiscal management, public/private sector alliances, and personnel management.
Lakita actively teaches and mentors and is committed to professional development and lifelong learning, presenting at local, state, and national conferences. She is also an instructor and co-chair of NRPA’s Director’s School and Supervisors Management School. Lakita is the immediate Past President of the National Recreation and Parks Ethnic Minority Society and serves on the American Academy of Parks and Recreation Administrator’s Justice Equity Diversity and Inclusion Committee. Lakita has been a member of the Board of Directors for the National Recreation and Parks Association since 2020. She has served on the National Association of County Parks and Recreation Officials board from 2018 to 2022.
In 2019, Lakita founded the Women in Parks and Recreation (WIPAR) Facebook Group, which is committed to providing a positive platform and space for women in the field to collaborate, connect and support each other. In 2021, WIPAR was established as a federally recognized 501c3 nonprofit organization with an online following of over 11,000 strong and growing daily!
Committed to professional development and lifelong learning, Lakita actively teaches and mentors, presenting at local, state, and national conferences. Her high energy and positivity are contagious!
