SPRD selects interim director

Following several recent course corrections at Sisters Park & Recreation District (SPRD), operations appear to be on a track toward some new policies and procedures, under the guidance of the recently appointed interim executive director, Courtney Snead.

Snead was selected to temporarily take the helm after the board interviewed four candidates for the position. She is known in Central Oregon partly for her work as a City of Bend employee for five years, where she helped build staff morale after reorganizing the IT department. She also served as the interim director of the COCC Redmond campus for about six months where she conducted an analysis of the budget structure.

She is currently serving as a member of the Jefferson County School District 509-J school board. Snead owns her own consulting business headquartered in Madras, called Boring But Important LLC, serving as a consultant to businesses and organizations just like SPRD that need some reorganization and streamlining.

She believes she brings to SPRD her unique perspective gained over the years as staff, board member, community member, and consultant. She has worked in both political and non-political environments.

Snead said, "I have an understanding of the moving pieces and I have the advantage of coming from the outside looking in. I will bring a positive approach to the position."

Snead believes she is stepping into a "great situation with the voters having approved the levy last May." She hopes to "galvanize the staff" and "chart the path forward."

This past Monday was her first day at the helm. Since the departure of previous executive Todd Garrett, board chair Jeff Tryens has been overseeing the day-to-day operations at SPRD and working with staff. The board and staff, in two weeks time, conceived and held a new summer event called D-ATE Night, held at Village Green Park and attended by over 350 people.

Snead told the board that talking with each staff member one-on-one would be the first step in rebuilding staff morale. She places great importance on building trusting relationships and believes "listening to really hear" what is being said is key.

"I love this stuff," she said in reference to policies and procedures.

She sees internal controls of finances as crucial to the health of any business. Establishing clear policies and procedures for all employees and human resources-related issues is one of her goals. She also expects to work with the board to prioritize programs and create a solid cost-recovery plan.

When asked what success would look like at the end of her tenure at SPRD, she responded, "We will be meeting the needs of all." She went on to say, "The new executive director will have a clear picture of what needs to be done moving forward, giving that person the opportunity to focus on the community piece."

Snead closed her interview by telling the board, "I am a public servant in my heart trying to meet the needs of the community in everything I do."

She told The Nugget after being selected for the interim position, "I am really excited about this opportunity to serve SPRD as the interim director. I'm looking forward to getting to know the staff and learning more about the organization and community."

(Editor's Note: This story was corrected to accurately reflect Snead's employment with the City of Bend and the name of her consulting business).