James Daniel Ph.D. and M.S.
Cara Rudelson
Suzanne Landau
Jamie Rae Walker
Thursday, March 10, 1:30 am,
Conference Room 1
The session will focus on key elements to consider when funding, operating, using volunteers, and monitoring progress for master plan implementation. In this session, participants will recognize key elements to keeping plans off the shelf, identify best practices from a case study and discuss how these elements can be useful in their daily practices.
Park Operations ,
Houston Memorial Park
James Daniel has worked in park operations for over 10 years. He has a master’s degree in Recreation, Parks, and Tourism Sciences from Texas A&M University. He has presented on park operations and planning at state, national, and local conferences. His professional involvements include Texas Recreation and Parks Society (TRAPS), Texas A&M RPTS Recreation and Park Administration advisory committee member.
Chief Operating Officer,
Memorial Park Conservancy
Cara Rudelson is chief Operating Office for Memorial Park Conservancy and is a graduate of the London School of Economics in Economics, Politics and International Relations, Cara leads the fundraising, communications, and event strategies for the Conservancy. Through extensive work on capital campaigns and other fundraising opportunities during her 15-plus year career as a nonprofit consultant, Cara was involved in corporate giving, volunteer management, public-private partnerships, mission awareness, budget development, organizational management, and other fundraising strategies. This included planning, developing, and maintaining collaborative relationships with diverse community groups, municipalities, businesses, and non-profit organizations.
Committed to volunteering, Cara has served on many boards and committees and is the past President of Art League Houston. She currently serves on the capital campaign steering committee for Bering Omega Community Services. She holds membership with the Association for Healthcare Philanthropy (AHP) and the Association for Fundraising Professionals.
Volunteer and Community Relations Coordinator ,
Memorial Park Conservancy
Suzanne Landau has a Master and Bachelor degree in Recreation, Park and Tourism Sciences from Texas A&M University. She is currently volunteer and Community Relations Coordinator for Memorial Park Conservancy. Prior to working at MPC, Suzanne was a recreation intern for the City of New Braunfels Parks and Recreation Department and a Research Associate at Texas Agri-Life Extension. Her graduate career focused on citizen input in parks and recreation planning. She completed the Park, Recreation and Open Space Master Plan for El Campo, TX; developed a rivertrail revitalization plan for the City of Waco, Texas; and conducted an innovative citizen input process for the City of College Station Park and Recreation Department. Her graduate degree research focused on best practices for engaging citizen input processes. An active member of the Texas Recreation and Parks Society, Suzanne continues to present her research at conferences across the state.
Assistant Professor ,
Texas A&M AgriLife Extension
Jamie Rae Walker, Ph.D. has worked in community planning and implementation for over 17 years. She provides community technical assistance in evidence based planning. She has presented and facilitated over 150 sessions. Jamie’s professional involvement includes TRAPS, Extension Specialist Association and recipient of Center for Disease Control grant projects for improving access to physical activity amenities. Jamie was honored with the Educator Award, Superior Service Team Award and USA Team Awards.
