Centers People

When CENTERS was hired to open and manage the Aquatic and Track Center at Mylan Park, we knew it was going to be different than our facilities that we currently operated. From the increased demand for membership revenue, non-traditional population (not located on a college campus), extensive business and financial focus, it was going to be a good challenge for our company. Jen was originally hired as the Assistant Director at the Aquatic and Track Center but transitioned to the into the Director role shortly after. Jen worked for local parks and recreation organizations for 20 years before coming to CENTERS. The aquatic knowledge she has is perfect for this operation.

Can you talk about how the CENTERS Culture with POI, our commitment to Better is Better, our Quest for X, and cross-site collaboration opportunities helps motivate you to continue learning and growing within the CENTERS organization?

It is amazing to be connected to so many colleagues that have a similar operation with similar challenges and successes. It allows us to collaborate and bounce ideas off each other.  I am proud to work in a service organization where everyone is passionate about their jobs and their students and employee development role.

What women inspire you, and which of CENTERS’ core values/attributes do they exemplify most?

I am often inspired by female athletes, such as Serena Williams, Mia Hamm Katie Ledecky, because there are so many places in the world where females don’t have the opportunity to grow up dream to compete at that level and I am proud to live in a place that creates through acceptance athletes of this caliber. The have accepted the risk and have taken a risk in choosing to be a professional athlete despite the disparity in reward for their commitment as compared to men’s athletics.

How do you feel having strong and respected female leaders in the company attracts women and minority talent to the company?

I feel accountable, that I should be an example for those looking to attain a role like this and I hope that I inspire people to desire a position like this and know that it is attainable to them.

How does working for CENTERS help you overcome common challenges and inefficiencies that campus recreation professionals that work outside the company live with?

CENTERS is a true network. I know that I can rely on my colleagues when I may not know the answer. I know that my decisions come from an informed collaborative and not made in a vacuum.

What are the most important competencies that younger female professionals need to acquire to become the next generation of leaders in the industry?

Confidence can sometimes be a barrier to leadership roles. You females desiring a leadership positions should arm themselves with education, experience, and the emotional intelligence they need to be a true leader of a diverse team.

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We appreciate your hard work and dedication over the last year as the Director, Jen. We couldn’t have done it without you.