November Premier 2026: Navigating Your Professional Journey: Pathways to Growth in Parks and Recreation

Patrick O’Mara (Pat) serves as the Deputy Parks, Recreation and Cultural Affairs Director for the City of Las Vegas, overseeing operations and programming for 86 parks and 18 recreation facilities. With nearly 30 years of experience in parks and recreation, he has held leadership roles including Parks and Recreation Director for the City of Lakeland, Tennessee, where he developed master plans and oversaw the construction of the city’s first athletic complex, and Aquatics Manager for the City of Memphis, managing 17 facilities. 

A passionate advocate for professional development, Pat has completed the Nevada Recreation and Park Society’s LEAD program, Tennessee Recreation and Park Association’s Leadership Forum and the National Recreation and Park Association’s Directors School, equipping him to mentor and inspire emerging leaders in the field.

Pat holds a Master of Business Administration and is a Certified Parks and Recreation Professional, with certifications in aquatic facility operations and playground safety. 
His volunteer leadership includes roles with the Nevada and Tennessee State Associations and as a visitor and auditor for the Commission for Accreditation of Park and Recreation Agencies. Pat is dedicated to fostering inclusive community spaces and advancing professional growth in the parks and recreation industry.

LaKeisha Dickens (Keisha) is a Certified Parks and Recreation Professional (CPRP) with over 25 years of experience delivering impactful and inclusive recreation services. Her extensive background includes working across a variety of community centers, managing special events permitting, leading mobile recreation programs, and fostering positive employee experiences through training, engagement, and recognition initiatives.

A graduate of the Nevada Recreation and Park Society LEAD Institute, Keisha brings a strong foundation in leadership and organizational development to every role she takes on. She currently serves as Co-Accreditation Manager for her department, helping to lead the effort toward achieving accreditation through the Commission for Accreditation of Park and Recreation Agencies (CAPRA). This work underscores her dedication to upholding the industry’s best practices and a commitment to continuous improvement in parks and recreation services.

Keisha is passionate about building strong teams and thriving communities, and she actively seeks opportunities to collaborate, mentor, and inspire others in the field.