R.J. Cardin,
Director Maricopa County Parks and Recreation Department
R.J. Cardin is the director for Maricopa County’s Parks and Recreation Department, one of the largest regional parks systems in the United States. Maricopa County’s regional park system is made up of over 120,000-acres of pristine Sonoran desert landscape and houses hundreds of miles of trails, campgrounds, nature centers, nature and recreation programs and an environmental learning center, otherwise known as the Desert Outdoor Center at Lake Pleasant.While the park system itself is vast, Cardin operates the 10 regional parks with a lean crew of 86 full-time employees and uses a multitude of park hosts and volunteers in every aspect of operations to keep operating costs low, while providing exceptional outdoor recreation opportunities. Prior to leading Maricopa County’s Parks and Recreation Department, Cardin was the assistant director for the city of Glendale’s Parks and Recreation Department where he was responsible for parks and trails, capital development and operations.Cardin has more than 25-years of diverse parks and recreation experience which includeslocal, county and state government, commercial recreation and the non-profit sector.Cardin holds a Masters degree from Arizona State University focusing on outdoor recreation and tourism. In addition, he also holds Bachelor’s degrees in both Business Administration and Recreation Management from Morningside College located in Iowa. Over the past two years, Cardin has been inducted as a Fellow into the American Academy for Park and Recreation Administrators, has served as the President of the National Association of County Park and Recreation Officials and has been appointed to the Arizona State Parks Board. Cardin strongly believes that through responsible stewardship and the ability to connect the community to nature via quality parks, trails, programs, services and experiences, it is possible to inspire an appreciation for the Sonoran desert’s beauty and create life-long users and advocates for public lands.
CAREER SUMMARY Twenty-eight-years of diverse parks and recreation experience with 25-years of progressive management and leadership responsibility.
OBJECTIVE“ Building and strengthening a sense of community through parks and recreation”
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE Director MaricopaCounty Parks and Recreation - May 2006 to PresentAs director responsible for all facets of park operations and development, natural resource management, recreation programming, environmental education, performance management, park master planning, long range strategic planning, capital improvement planning and policy development for the largest regional park system in the United States.Parks and Recreation Deputy DirectorCity of Glendale, Glendale, AZ - June 2001 to May 2006 As deputy director responsible for providing community, personal, economic and environmental benefits through park master planning, long range strategic planning, capital development, law enforcement and operations and maintenance of neighborhood parks, community parks, regional parks, historic parks, gardens and recreation centers. Parks and Recreation DirectorCity of Sioux City, Sioux City, IA - June 1998 to June 2001 As director responsible for providing park and recreation experiences and benefits to a metropolitan area of 120,000 residents and visitors through 57 parks, five aquatic facilities, five sports complexes, two golf courses, nine historic sites, one minor league baseball complex, a community center, 15-miles of trails, two natural areas, marina, three cemeteries, and an urban forestry program.Chief,
Operations Arizona State Parks, Phoenix, AZ - February 1998 to June 1998As the chief of park operations, this position oversees, guides, and directs the operations and recreation programming at each State Park managed property in Arizona.Chief, Research and Marketing Arizona State Parks, Phoenix, AZ - July 1994 to February 1998 Developed a new Division of Arizona State Park focused on assessing public needs and developing marketing and business strategies that position the Agency as a leader in providing historic, recreational, and conservation/educational experiences and benefits.
Recreation Planner II Arizona State Parks, Phoenix, AZ - January 1991 to June 1994 As senior planner, responsible for research and development of the 1994 Arizona Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan (SCORP) and providing community assistance in park and park system planning.
Research Assistant: Arizona State University, Department of Recreation Management and Tourism, Tempe, AZ - August 1989 to February 1991 As a staff member of the department, participated in all activities related to outdoor recreation research projects.General Manager/DirectorBallard Golf and Country Club, Huxley, IA - May 1988 to August 1989 As general manager, responsible for operating a recreational golf facility, complete with full service restaurant, bar and pro shop.
Operations Manager/Director Sheldon Country Club Restaurant and Pro Shop, Sheldon, IA - March 1986 to April 1988 As owner/concessionaire, responsible for total management of a nonprofit golf clubhouse and pro shop.
OTHER RELATED RECREATION EXPERIENCE•Adjunct Facility: Arizona State University Department of Recreation Management and Tourism – January 1995 to May 1995; January 2007 to May 2008•Guest Lecturer: Arizona State University Department of Recreation Management and Tourism – January 1992 to May 2007•Assistant Pool Director/Cabin Counselor: Camp Foster YMCA – May 1985 to August 1985 •League Sports Program Assistant: Siouxland YMCA – September 1984 to June 1987
MILITARY EXPERIENCE Non-Commissioned Officer (Sergeant): United States Army Reserve – August 1986 to August 1994
EDUCATION Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ 85287Master of Science Degree, May 1993Major: Recreation Management and TourismMorningside College Sioux City, IA 51106Bachelor of Science Degree, August 1987Double Major: 1) Business Administration, 2) Recreation Management Minor: Theater
