Region 4 Representative Candidate Jessica Gandara

Jessica Gandara

Jessica Gandara
Recreation and Community Services Manager
City of Upland
Connect with Jessica
Please share relevant leadership experiences outside of your work environment.
I had the pleasure of joining CPRS District 11 as the Board Secretary in 2015. I quickly found a home among like-minded colleagues in the industry and went on to become the President-Elect (2016-2017) and President (2017-2018). During my time on the Board, I had roles coordinating and presenting various professional development opportunities for "reckies" of all levels with focuses including grant-writing, health and wellness, critical incidents, and the multi-year Recreation University Series. 

The highlight of my time serving District 11 was hosting the 2017 Leadership Luncheon. This event was geared towards supervisors, managers, and directors to ensure that professional development didn't end at the coordinator level. I secured multi-National Champion and Softball Hall of Fame Coach Sue Enquist to deliver a leadership message and followed it up with a Q&A panel with City Managers. 

In addition to my leadership roles in the workplace and with CPRS, I was nominated and selected by my classmates to be inducted into the Whitehead Leadership Society which focuses on professional education and lifelong learning.
What personal attributes, skills, or knowledge would you bring to the State Board of Directors if elected?
In my 20-year career, I have been fortunate to work for 4 agencies and build a diverse resume. I have worked for both large and small agencies which has exposed me to a wide variety of programs, events, communities, staff, budget sizes, and funding sources. With each position I held, I gained the experience and transferrable skills to be successful and move up the ranks. 

I believe my greatest attributes are adaptability, problem solving, relationship building, and communication - all of which are important for members of the State Board of Directors to have. If selected to represent Region 4, I will commit to being a strong liaison for the State and will support the goals and needs of each District.
Why have you chosen to run for the CPRS State Board of Directors?
"Growing up" in this industry, I had an amazing network of friends and mentors. I quickly learned the value of learning from those that came before me and have always had the desire to support and develop the next generation of "reckies" like I was supported. 

Since my previous involvement at the District level, I have experienced much change in my life - both personally and professionally. I believe the time is right to jump back in and give back to the industry that I have loved, and I look forward to sharing my knowledge and experience while continuing to learn from colleagues and friends!
What is the greatest challenge our profession faces and how will you lead to address that challenge?
If the pandemic taught us anything, it was how to tackle the unknown. While each agency navigated through as best as they could, we don't know what the next great challenge might be or how we will have to adapt our services in the future. Continuing to develop staff's transferrable skills will be crucial - whether it be technology related, critical thinking, evolving trends in the industry or society, or responding to critical incidents. I hope to support the CPRS mission by helping staff at all levels to prepare for and respond to the unknown.