CPRS Director's Academy 

Dr. Teresa Penbrooke is currently the Director of the Healthy Communities Research Group and Faculty for GP RED, a national non-profit that provides Research, Education, and Development for health, recreation, and land management agencies. Teresa is also the CEO and Founder of GreenPlay, LLC, a leading national private parks, recreation, tourism, and open space consulting firm.  Teresa is a Curriculum Consultant and Affiliate Faculty at Metropolitan State University – Denver. She has a BS in Kinesiology, a Masters in Organizational Management, and her PhD is in Parks, Recreation, and Tourism Management.

Jacob Green’s extensive leadership experience comes from a variety of career and life experiences. As an executive, he has managed hundreds of employees, and navigated a half a billion dollar budget. Jacob has received numerous awards for his leadership, including the National Caring Award, the Orange County Human Relations Award, Most Inspiring Student at UC Irvine, and is the youngest recipient of the Gene Lentzner Humanitarian Award. Jacob was also recently awarded an honorary doctorate degree from Western University of Health Sciences.  Mr. Green is also a consultant with Interwest Consulting Group and his book "See Change Clearly" will be given to each academy attendee made possible by Interwest Consulting Group.

Marie Knight, Director of Organizational Learning and Engagement and formerly the Director of Community Services for the City of Huntington Beach.  She has previously served as the Director of Parks, Recreation and Marine for the City of Long Beach and the Director of Community Services for the City of Orange. Knight also spent time with the City of Newport Beach, as the director of Recreation and Senior Services, as well as time served as the director of Boys & Girls Clubs in Orange County Alliance and the Leisure Services Manager for the City of Garden Grove.

Koko Panossian, currently the Deputy Director of Community Services and Parks for the City of Glendale.  He has overseen the parks division since 2003 and will offer key insights to parks maintenance and operations.  Koko also currently serves as the CPRS Development & Operations Section President.  

Clay Schoen, CPA is the Director of Finance for the City of El Cajon.  Clay has previously served as a Deputy Director for the Office of the City Comptroller for the City of San Diego.  He will deliver information critical for directors and upcoming directors to focus on lean management principles, understanding fundamental budgeting concepts, and risk management.