R&P Staff Members Complete Training Programs

Three staff members of the St. Mary’s County Department of Recreation & Parks completed professional development programs and were honored in April.

The programs were offered through the Maryland Recreation & Parks Association. Brandan Ballew, Callee Henningfeld, and Zachary Zalovick were recognized during the MRPA Annual State Conference in Cambridge.

Mr. Ballew, pictured above at left, parks maintenance supervisor, completed the 2025–2026 Operations University program.

The eight-month training is designed to cultivate future operations leaders by providing practical, hands-on knowledge to enhance park management and prepare participants for advanced leadership roles within their organizations. Topics in the program included stormwater management, athletic field management, snow and ice management, trail development, playground maintenance and accessibility, and professional development.

Ms. Henningfeld, parks operations coordinator, and Mr. Zalovick, sports program coordinator, graduated from the 2025–2026 Ritch Stevenson Leadership Institute.

The program focuses on developing emerging leaders in the recreation and parks field, equipping participants with the skills and insight needed to grow within their organizations and contribute to the broader recreation and parks community.

Learn more about St. Mary’s County Recreation & Parks programs here.