Three staff members from St. Mary’s County Recreation & Parks have completed prestigious professional development programs through the Maryland Recreation & Parks Association and were formally recognized at the MRPA Annual State Conference held April 21–23 in Cambridge.
The recognitions highlight the department’s commitment to building skilled leaders who deliver high-quality parks, recreation programs and facilities for residents across St. Mary’s County.
Brandan Ballew, Parks Maintenance Supervisor, successfully completed the 2025–2026 Operations University program. This intensive eight-month training is designed to prepare future operations leaders with practical, hands-on knowledge in park management. Topics included stormwater management, athletic field maintenance, snow and ice management, trail development, playground safety and accessibility, and professional development.
Callee Henningfeld, Parks Operations Coordinator, and Zachary Zalovick, Sports Program Coordinator, graduated from the 2025–2026 Ritch Stevenson Leadership Institute. The program develops emerging leaders in the recreation and parks field, providing the skills and insight needed to advance within their organizations and contribute to the broader recreation community.
St. Mary’s County Recreation & Parks offers year-round programs, sports leagues, summer camps, senior activities and access to more than 30 parks and facilities that serve families in Leonardtown, Lexington Park, Great Mills and surrounding communities. Professional development for staff directly improves the quality of these services — from better-maintained athletic fields and trails to more engaging youth and adult programs.
“Continued professional development helps R&P enhance the services provided to the community — from recreation programs to the parks and facilities where people come together,” department officials said.
The Maryland Recreation & Parks Association programs are highly competitive and focus on building the next generation of park and recreation professionals. By investing in staff training, St. Mary’s County ensures its parks and programs remain among the best in Southern Maryland, supporting healthy lifestyles, community events and economic vitality through tourism and local gatherings.
The three honorees join a growing list of St. Mary’s County Recreation & Parks employees who have completed statewide leadership and operations training in recent years. The department continues to prioritize staff growth to meet the needs of a growing county population.
For more information about St. Mary’s County Recreation & Parks programs, facilities and upcoming events, visit www.stmaryscountymd.gov/recreate.
