Partnership for Quality Living Officers and Committee Members
Officers
Wayne Lowery, Chair
Wayne is currently an elected member of the El Dorado Hills Community Services District Board of Directors. Previously he served as the Administrator for the Rio Linda Elverta Recreation and Park District (2010-13), EDHCSD General Manager (1990-2010), City of Mission Viejo Director of Parks & Recreation (1988-90), Arden Manor Recreation & Park District Administrator (1985-88), Leisure Pro Inc. Executive Director (1979-85), Fair Oaks Recreation & Park District Recreation Superintendent (1974-79), and Executive Secretary of the NRPA National Student Recreation & Park Society (1973-74).
He earned his BA in Recreation Management from CSU-Sacramento (1971) and MA in Parks & Recreation from Michigan State University (1976).
Wayne was an active member of the National Recreation and Park Association as well as the California Park and Recreation Society where he held offices in District 2, Recreation Supervisors, and Commercial sections, and Board of Directors. He was CPRS President in 1996-97.
He is retired and living in El Dorado Hills with his wife, Cynthia. Together they have two daughters. Nicole Lowery is a Recreation Coordinator with the City of Santa Rosa and Amy McQuillan works for the California Franchise Tax Board.
He earned his BA in Recreation Management from CSU-Sacramento (1971) and MA in Parks & Recreation from Michigan State University (1976).
Wayne was an active member of the National Recreation and Park Association as well as the California Park and Recreation Society where he held offices in District 2, Recreation Supervisors, and Commercial sections, and Board of Directors. He was CPRS President in 1996-97.
He is retired and living in El Dorado Hills with his wife, Cynthia. Together they have two daughters. Nicole Lowery is a Recreation Coordinator with the City of Santa Rosa and Amy McQuillan works for the California Franchise Tax Board.
Sandi Kukkola, Vice Chair & Recording Secretary
Sandi grew up in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho where she participated in local parks and recreation programs including softball leagues, tennis, dance and arts/crafts programs. Along with her family she loved water skiing, camping, and all outdoor activities. Upon moving to California she attended American River College (ARC) where she received an Associate of Arts Degree in Recreation Leadership. After ARC she transferred to CSU, Sacramento graduating with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Parks and Recreation Administration.She started her career working for private recreation contractor, Leisure Pro Inc. She worked briefly as a Recreation Technician for the Sacramento County Department of Parks and Recreation. She landed her first full time permanent position as Recreation Superintendent at the Fair Oaks Recreation and Park District. She accepted the position of Assistant Administrator with the Elk Grove Community Services District, Department of Parks and Recreation where she worked for nearly 12 years. The last 13 years of her career she served as Assistant General Manager with the El Dorado Hills Community Services District where she retired in December 2013.
Sandi held many leadership positions in CPRS including co-chair of the conference program committee on two occasions, the conference local host and programs committees, the State Student and Supervisors Sections and the District 2 Board of Directors, including serving as President in 1992.
In retirement Sandi enjoys exploring the northern California mountains, trails and Lassen Volcanic National Park and other State and National Parks. Sandi loves traveling, reading, kayaking, bike riding, boating, hiking and spending time with her husband, Gary, and two grown sons, Jason and Ryan, and their families.
Sandi held many leadership positions in CPRS including co-chair of the conference program committee on two occasions, the conference local host and programs committees, the State Student and Supervisors Sections and the District 2 Board of Directors, including serving as President in 1992.
In retirement Sandi enjoys exploring the northern California mountains, trails and Lassen Volcanic National Park and other State and National Parks. Sandi loves traveling, reading, kayaking, bike riding, boating, hiking and spending time with her husband, Gary, and two grown sons, Jason and Ryan, and their families.
Board of Directors
Leslee Choate, Student Representative
Leslee is eager to learn new things and always up for a challenge. Parks and Recreation contribute to the health and well-being of individuals and enhance the quality of community life. Understanding social, behavioral, and environmental sciences to help myself and my community succeed. She cannot wait to get started in the field of Park and Recreation and is excited for the opportunities this field has to offer.
Currently Leslee has two part time jobs while finishing school. One as a manager of a local winery and the other she refers to as her fun job, cooking or temporary work. She is a hard-working eclectic person with several years of experience in Customer Service, Teamwork, Leadership and Administration. I am also deeply knowledgeable in Microsoft Suite programs such as Excel, Word & Outlook. She is looking more toward the Administration side of the Parks and Recreation and any helpful tools would be appreciated. Some of the past professional jobs she held have included being a central sterile technician at Oroville Hospital. Store Manager of a Grocery Outlet in Orangevale, CA. And a Receiving Manager at Total Wine and More.
Currently Leslee has two part time jobs while finishing school. One as a manager of a local winery and the other she refers to as her fun job, cooking or temporary work. She is a hard-working eclectic person with several years of experience in Customer Service, Teamwork, Leadership and Administration. I am also deeply knowledgeable in Microsoft Suite programs such as Excel, Word & Outlook. She is looking more toward the Administration side of the Parks and Recreation and any helpful tools would be appreciated. Some of the past professional jobs she held have included being a central sterile technician at Oroville Hospital. Store Manager of a Grocery Outlet in Orangevale, CA. And a Receiving Manager at Total Wine and More.
Leslie Fritz, CPRP, Public Relations/Social Media Committee
My State of California DGS Procurement Division work includes training California small business owners and their employees about our procurement opportunities. I'm on a team that works with subject matter experts to design training curriculum related to procurement opportunities. We also prepare trainers for virtual-led training. Project management and technology skills are critical to this assignment. Maintaining relationships with colleagues is also critical to this work.
Leslie's work before securing a position with the State of California was two-fold: to create outreach initiatives for a consulting firm named Leadership Outfitters and to coach subject matter experts for live, virtual instructor-led training or meeting facilitation. With that came working as a technical producer for online meetings. Before that, she managed a state-wide adult continuing education program and technical assistance center for local government park and recreation employees, many with differing certifications required for employment. This work included selecting over 100 educational sessions and coordinating logistics for a 2500 attendee annual conference. It also included a 150 attendee annual maintenance management school for skilled trade employees and their supervisors.
Leslie's work before securing a position with the State of California was two-fold: to create outreach initiatives for a consulting firm named Leadership Outfitters and to coach subject matter experts for live, virtual instructor-led training or meeting facilitation. With that came working as a technical producer for online meetings. Before that, she managed a state-wide adult continuing education program and technical assistance center for local government park and recreation employees, many with differing certifications required for employment. This work included selecting over 100 educational sessions and coordinating logistics for a 2500 attendee annual conference. It also included a 150 attendee annual maintenance management school for skilled trade employees and their supervisors.
Kathy Martinez
Kate Miller, CPRS District 2 Representative
Judy Quattrin
Judy was raised in Southern California and attended Sacramento State University earning a Bachelor’s of Science Degree, Recreation Administration and a Master’s of Science in Recreation and Leisure Studies. Her career began at Camarillo State Hospital in Recreation Therapy as a Student Professional Assistant and continued as Recreation Supervisor for the Fulton-El Camino Recreation and Park District, Sacramento County. In 1971, she was recruited to teach a Social Recreation Class at Sacramento State and from then on, she was “hooked “ … a career in Education was her passion.
She continued teaching at Sacramento State, part-time and full-time, in what is known today as the Department of Recreation, Parks and Tourism, within the College of Health and Human Services, and retired in 2001. Upon her retirement, the College of Health and Human Services established the Judy M. Quattrin, Community Recreation Student Scholarship for Recreation, Park and Tourism students.
In addition to her teaching classes, Judy was Coordinator, of the CSUS Capital University Service Corps/AmeriCorps. As Faculty Coordinator, of Student Activities for the College of Health and Human Services- Rancho Cordova Interdisciplinary Clinical Education Project, she participated in the Rancho Cordova Community Partnership, 1998-2001 and was a Service Learning Instructor.
Judy was the Faculty Advisor of the Recreation and Park Majors Association and a Co-Curricular Activities Instructor for the University Spirit leaders. She was a Senator in the CSUS Academic Senate and a member of the Committee on Diversity and Equity. Judy has been a member of the Advisory Council for the CSUS College of Health and Human Services and the Department of Recreation, Parks and Tourism. She has served on the J. R. Needy Foundation Board from 1985-2010. Judy is an Associate Author of “Perspectives on Leisure and Community”, Perspectives on Leisure: Toward a Quality Lifestyle, Kendall/Hunt Publishing Co., 2001,2008.
In 1997-98 Judy was awarded the CSUS President’s Award for Excellence in Fostering Capital Region/ Partnerships. She was recognized as the recipient of the CSUS Meritorious Performance and Professional Award, Superior Contribution to Instruction, 1998. In 2003, Judy received the Distinguished Service Award, Faculty and Administrator Category, awarded by the Sacramento State Alumni Association. Upon her retirement, Judy served on the CSUS President’s Operation 2010 Board of Directors and on the CSUS President’s Community Council. She was a member of the Exploratory Committee to establish the Recreation, Parks and Leisure Hall of Honor and was the Chair in 2009-2010.
Judy and Gary have been married 52 years and have a busy family of six grand children, along with their two daughters and son-in-laws. The Sacramento State University Alumni Association awarded Judy and Gary the Lifetime Achievement Award in 2019 for exceptional career achievemnts, exceptional contributions to the campus and community, and for setting high standards of excellence in their personal and professional lives.
She continued teaching at Sacramento State, part-time and full-time, in what is known today as the Department of Recreation, Parks and Tourism, within the College of Health and Human Services, and retired in 2001. Upon her retirement, the College of Health and Human Services established the Judy M. Quattrin, Community Recreation Student Scholarship for Recreation, Park and Tourism students.
In addition to her teaching classes, Judy was Coordinator, of the CSUS Capital University Service Corps/AmeriCorps. As Faculty Coordinator, of Student Activities for the College of Health and Human Services- Rancho Cordova Interdisciplinary Clinical Education Project, she participated in the Rancho Cordova Community Partnership, 1998-2001 and was a Service Learning Instructor.
Judy was the Faculty Advisor of the Recreation and Park Majors Association and a Co-Curricular Activities Instructor for the University Spirit leaders. She was a Senator in the CSUS Academic Senate and a member of the Committee on Diversity and Equity. Judy has been a member of the Advisory Council for the CSUS College of Health and Human Services and the Department of Recreation, Parks and Tourism. She has served on the J. R. Needy Foundation Board from 1985-2010. Judy is an Associate Author of “Perspectives on Leisure and Community”, Perspectives on Leisure: Toward a Quality Lifestyle, Kendall/Hunt Publishing Co., 2001,2008.
In 1997-98 Judy was awarded the CSUS President’s Award for Excellence in Fostering Capital Region/ Partnerships. She was recognized as the recipient of the CSUS Meritorious Performance and Professional Award, Superior Contribution to Instruction, 1998. In 2003, Judy received the Distinguished Service Award, Faculty and Administrator Category, awarded by the Sacramento State Alumni Association. Upon her retirement, Judy served on the CSUS President’s Operation 2010 Board of Directors and on the CSUS President’s Community Council. She was a member of the Exploratory Committee to establish the Recreation, Parks and Leisure Hall of Honor and was the Chair in 2009-2010.
Judy and Gary have been married 52 years and have a busy family of six grand children, along with their two daughters and son-in-laws. The Sacramento State University Alumni Association awarded Judy and Gary the Lifetime Achievement Award in 2019 for exceptional career achievemnts, exceptional contributions to the campus and community, and for setting high standards of excellence in their personal and professional lives.
Barry Trute, CPRP, Archival/Oral History Committee
Barry is a planner with the California State Parks, Strategic Planning and Recreation Services Division. Barry earned his BS in Recreation Administration with a concentration in park/recreation resources management, a BA in Geography and a MS in Recreation Administration from California State University, Sacramento. He also holds a certification from American Humanics, a national program certifying professionals to strengthen and lead non-profit organizations. Barry is also a National Recreation and Park Association Certified Park and Recreation Professional.
Barry served on the CPRS District 2 Board of Directors for six years in positions ranging from Student Representative, Vice President of Communications and President. He worked to continue the organization’s message of Advancing California’s Park & Recreation Profession.
Barry is a six-year veteran of the U.S. Air Force where he served as a still photographer.
Barry is active in all aspects of geographic recreation including geocaching and enjoys spending time with his wife Lorna and their four children and four grandchildren.
Barry served on the CPRS District 2 Board of Directors for six years in positions ranging from Student Representative, Vice President of Communications and President. He worked to continue the organization’s message of Advancing California’s Park & Recreation Profession.
Barry is a six-year veteran of the U.S. Air Force where he served as a still photographer.
Barry is active in all aspects of geographic recreation including geocaching and enjoys spending time with his wife Lorna and their four children and four grandchildren.
Barbara Wackford, Nomination Committee
Barbara's roots in the Elk Grove community took her back home in 1985 to serve as the first Administrator of the Elk Grove Community Services District (currently the Cosumnes CSD) Department of Parks and Recreation. In that year the Parks and Recreation District under her guidance, merged with the Elk Grove Fire Department to become the EGCSD. For the next 16
years she worked with the Elk Grove staff to build over 50 parks and open space networks, in conjunction with developing a finance mechanism to maintain the facilities. Recreation programs expanded and the District received several CPRS awards. When she started in 1985, the District had one park and Laguna, East Elk Grove, Laguna West, Lakeside, Camden Passage and East Franklin did not exist. With her guidance, long range planning for park and open space in each of these regions was completed. Upon her retirement in 2002 she was honored by the District and the community with the Barbara Morse Wackford Community and Aquatic Complex being named in her honor.
Prior to returning to Elk Grove Barbara worked 11 years (1973-1984) for the County of Sacramento Department of Parks and Recreation as a Recreation Supervisor and County Service Area Administrator.
Upon retirement Barbara established BMW Consulting to assist Park and Recreation agencies with long range planning. As CEO of BMW she worked with the City of Sacramento and was actively involved in the planning for the North Natomas community. She also prepared the Master Plan update for the City.
Barbara has been very active with the California Park and Recreation Society, the Strauss Festival of Elk Grove, the Sacramento Tree Foundation, and the Friends of the Library Belle Cooledge branch.
years she worked with the Elk Grove staff to build over 50 parks and open space networks, in conjunction with developing a finance mechanism to maintain the facilities. Recreation programs expanded and the District received several CPRS awards. When she started in 1985, the District had one park and Laguna, East Elk Grove, Laguna West, Lakeside, Camden Passage and East Franklin did not exist. With her guidance, long range planning for park and open space in each of these regions was completed. Upon her retirement in 2002 she was honored by the District and the community with the Barbara Morse Wackford Community and Aquatic Complex being named in her honor.
Prior to returning to Elk Grove Barbara worked 11 years (1973-1984) for the County of Sacramento Department of Parks and Recreation as a Recreation Supervisor and County Service Area Administrator.
Upon retirement Barbara established BMW Consulting to assist Park and Recreation agencies with long range planning. As CEO of BMW she worked with the City of Sacramento and was actively involved in the planning for the North Natomas community. She also prepared the Master Plan update for the City.
Barbara has been very active with the California Park and Recreation Society, the Strauss Festival of Elk Grove, the Sacramento Tree Foundation, and the Friends of the Library Belle Cooledge branch.
Debby Walker, Hall of Honor Induction Committee, Finance (acting)
Ward Winchell
Members Emeritus
Richard T. Conzelmann
Jeff Dubchansky
Patrick P. Fenwick
Jerry Fox, In Memoriam
Kelly Gonzales
Terry Jewell
Terry Jewell completed forty-two years of local recreation and park experience before retiring in 2008. He retired from the Sunrise Recreation and Park District after serving eighteen years as District Administrator. His prior work experience includes 3 years as Director of Parks,
Recreation and Community Services for the City of South San Francisco, four years as Assistant City Administrator for the City of Millbrae, and held various recreation titles in recreation with the City of Millbrae ending as Superintendent of Recreation after eighteen years. He also worked four years part time with the Fulton-El Camino Recreation and Park District in Sacramento, California.
Terry received his BS Degree in Recreation Administration at Sacramento State University and MS Degree from San Jose State University in Recreation and Leisure Studies. He has been a guest lecturer at both schools in addition to San Francisco State University.
Terry was and is still involved with the California Park and Recreation Society (CPRS) having served as President, Chair of the Legislative Committee, Program Chair of the Annual State Conference and currently serves on the CPRS Legislative Political Action Committee (PAC). Terry also served as President of the Municipal Managements Assistants of North California.
Recreation and Community Services for the City of South San Francisco, four years as Assistant City Administrator for the City of Millbrae, and held various recreation titles in recreation with the City of Millbrae ending as Superintendent of Recreation after eighteen years. He also worked four years part time with the Fulton-El Camino Recreation and Park District in Sacramento, California.
Terry received his BS Degree in Recreation Administration at Sacramento State University and MS Degree from San Jose State University in Recreation and Leisure Studies. He has been a guest lecturer at both schools in addition to San Francisco State University.
Terry was and is still involved with the California Park and Recreation Society (CPRS) having served as President, Chair of the Legislative Committee, Program Chair of the Annual State Conference and currently serves on the CPRS Legislative Political Action Committee (PAC). Terry also served as President of the Municipal Managements Assistants of North California.
Bob Overstreet
Robert (Bob) Overstreet has over 40 years of varied, successful experiences in leading the creation and management of healthy, vibrant communities. He now consults on select projects that further the sustainability of communities, and the ability of local governments to ensure the environmental, economic and equity future of their regions. Long term plans and projects he put in place continue to improve the quality of living in the communities he has served, including hundreds of parks created under his direction.
From 2006 to 2008, Bob served as the Director for the Sacramento 2030 General Plan Development and led that trend setting effort to its printing in 2008. He continued as a consultant to the ongoing process until its adoption by the City Council in 2009. Central to the intent of the 2030 General Plan is the protection of open space in the face of tremendous growth.
Bob took leave from his consulting firm, Management Options, in 2003, to lead the re-establishment of the Sacramento Department of Parks and Recreation. During his tenure the Department became a model for the State and Nation, producing more than a park/facility a month over a 5 year period and developing award winning programs, including the provision of early childhood education and brokering industry sponsored health coverage for all children in the Region.
Bob led the regional efforts that created the current Sacramento Riverfront Master Plan, and the Two Rivers Trail. He served on the management team that established the initial plan for the reuse of the Sacramento Rail Yards, and was a lead in the American River Parkway Planning Process.
As the CEO for Management Options from 1992 to 2003, he served an international clientele, including California cities, counties and special districts, and cities and regional governments in Eastern Europe. Prior to the establishment of Management Options, Bob served as a public agency executive for over 24 years, as a director and deputy city manager in the Cities of San Jose and Ventura, and as the General Manager of the Southgate Recreation and Park District in Sacramento County.
Bob holds a Master of Public Administration Degree and a BA in Recreation and Parks Administration.
From 2006 to 2008, Bob served as the Director for the Sacramento 2030 General Plan Development and led that trend setting effort to its printing in 2008. He continued as a consultant to the ongoing process until its adoption by the City Council in 2009. Central to the intent of the 2030 General Plan is the protection of open space in the face of tremendous growth.
Bob took leave from his consulting firm, Management Options, in 2003, to lead the re-establishment of the Sacramento Department of Parks and Recreation. During his tenure the Department became a model for the State and Nation, producing more than a park/facility a month over a 5 year period and developing award winning programs, including the provision of early childhood education and brokering industry sponsored health coverage for all children in the Region.
Bob led the regional efforts that created the current Sacramento Riverfront Master Plan, and the Two Rivers Trail. He served on the management team that established the initial plan for the reuse of the Sacramento Rail Yards, and was a lead in the American River Parkway Planning Process.
As the CEO for Management Options from 1992 to 2003, he served an international clientele, including California cities, counties and special districts, and cities and regional governments in Eastern Europe. Prior to the establishment of Management Options, Bob served as a public agency executive for over 24 years, as a director and deputy city manager in the Cities of San Jose and Ventura, and as the General Manager of the Southgate Recreation and Park District in Sacramento County.
Bob holds a Master of Public Administration Degree and a BA in Recreation and Parks Administration.
Charlie Williard
Charlie grew up in the outdoors. This love of the outdoors was one of the main factors in his decision to come to work as a park ranger for California State Parks in 1972. In his nearly 42 years of state service since that time, Charlie's contributions at headquarters include working as a grant project officer, planner, legislative analyst, Assistant Chief of Public Relations, Statewide Trails Program Manager and Chief of the Office of Grants and Local Services.
Charlie has been a member of the organizing committee for Eppie's Great Race for 25 of the race's 41 years. He has served in a variety of assignments including Race Director the last ten years.
In his spare time, Charlie is an avid hiker, kayaker and award winning photographer. In the last two years, after many years, he finished hiking the Pacific Crest Trail, the John Muir Trail and the Tahoe Rim Trail. He has competed in Eppie's Great Race for 37 consecutive years, primarily as a team member kayaker.
Charlie accounts for much of his life's success to his relationship with his wife Joan who has supported him in his many endeavors throughout their over 30 years of marriage.
Charlie has been a member of the organizing committee for Eppie's Great Race for 25 of the race's 41 years. He has served in a variety of assignments including Race Director the last ten years.
In his spare time, Charlie is an avid hiker, kayaker and award winning photographer. In the last two years, after many years, he finished hiking the Pacific Crest Trail, the John Muir Trail and the Tahoe Rim Trail. He has competed in Eppie's Great Race for 37 consecutive years, primarily as a team member kayaker.
Charlie accounts for much of his life's success to his relationship with his wife Joan who has supported him in his many endeavors throughout their over 30 years of marriage.
