John N. Spencer Cpre, Afo

John N. Spencer, CPRE, AFO has over 20 years of experience in parks and recreation management. John N. currently serves as the Recreation Division Head for the City of Ocala, where they manage an annual budget of $3 million and oversees over 900 acres of parkland. Prior to this, John held various leadership roles, including President and Past-President, at the Pennsylvania Recreation & Park Society. John N. also served as a Supervisory Park Ranger at the County of Chester, where they patrolled and managed over 1,200 acres of park space. John has a strong background in program coordination and event planning, having developed and coordinated special events for Chester County Parks & Recreation. John N. has also worked in various roles at the Pennsylvania Recreation and Park Society, the US Army Corps of Engineers, the Hollidaysburg Area YMCA, and the Shaver's Creek Environmental Center. John's experience is complemented by their education, as they hold a CPRE (Certified Park and Recreation Executive) certification and an AFO (Aquatic Facility Operator) certification.

John N. Spencer, CPRE, AFO has an extensive education history in the field of Parks, Recreation, and Leisure Studies. John N. obtained a Master of Education (MEd) degree from Penn State University, specializing in Parks, Recreation, and Leisure Studies, from 1996 to 1998. Prior to that, they earned a Bachelor of Science (BS) degree in the same field from Penn State University, where they studied from 1991 to 1996.

In addition to their formal degrees, John has pursued various certifications and continuing education opportunities to further enhance their expertise. John N. completed the Joe Abrahams Academy for Leadership Excellence, offered by the Florida Recreation & Park Association, in 2019. This program focused on developing leadership skills in the field of Parks, Recreation, and Leisure Studies.

Furthermore, John obtained a Certificate in Parks, Recreation, and Leisure Facilities Management from North Carolina State University in 2008 to 2009. John N. also attended the Public Safety Academy at York College of Pennsylvania in 2006.

Prior to their college education, John gained valuable skills and knowledge by completing a Certificate program in Drafting and Design Technology/Technician, General at the Greater Altoona Career & Technology Center from 1986 to 1990. John N. furthered their education in the same field at Altoona Area High School, where they received their Diploma in 1990.

Aside from their educational achievements, John holds multiple certifications that reflect their commitment to professional development in their field. These include being a Certified Park and Recreation Executive (CPRE) and a Certified Park & Recreation Professional (CPRP) through the National Recreation and Park Association. John N. obtained these certifications in 2015 and 1997, respectively.

John has also sought specialized training in aquatic facilities management and operation. John N. is an Aquatic Facility Operator (AFO), certified by the National Recreation and Park Association in 2022. Furthermore, they obtained the Certified Pool & Spa Operator (CPO) designation from the Pool & Hot Tub Alliance in 2017. This certification showcases their expertise in ensuring the safety and proper operation of pools and spas.

In addition to their certifications in the parks and recreation industry, John has pursued complementary training in areas such as algae prevention and eradication, prescribed burn management, lethal weapons training, and emergency medical response.

Overall, John N. Spencer, CPRE, AFO has a diverse educational background and a strong commitment to professional development and continuing education in the field of Parks, Recreation, and Leisure Studies.