Leaders in Georgia’s recreation and parks industry have a new pathway to career growth, thanks to a partnership between the University of Georgia and the Georgia Parks and Recreation Association (GRPA).
In late 2025, during GRPA’s annual conference at Jekyll Island, the association and the UGA Carl Vinson Institute of Government — a unit of UGA Public Service and Outreach (PSO) — launched the Georgia Recreation and Park Professional Certificate Program.
The program is designed to increase the level of efficiency, effectiveness and professionalism within recreation and parks leadership.
The certificate program offers a comprehensive curriculum that includes conflict management, customer service, financial fundamentals and risk management. To complete the program, participants will take leadership and management classes led by Institute of Government faculty as well as network classes led by GRPA instructors, followed by a continuing education component within three to four years.
This program serves the need for professional development opportunities in the industry. Currently, it is the only certificate program in Georgia created for those seeking a career trajectory in recreation agency leadership. In collaboration with the Institute of Government, GRPA aims to create, support and grow the program to become the industry standard for Georgia’s recreation and parks professionals.
Few understand the importance of this effort better than Steve Dempsey, former PSO associate vice president and longtime advocate for recreation leadership. Dempsey, who served as GRPA president in 1998 and was recently inducted into the GRPA Hall of Fame as its 64th member, spent nearly three decades touting professional development and community engagement for the organization.
Early in his time with GRPA, Dempsey led the organization’s training initiatives, helping staff gain the skills needed to deliver high-quality recreational services. Over the years, he also served on several committees, hosted workshops, conducted board trainings and engaged in conversations about the impact, importance and benefits of recreation to local economies.
“Educating people on the importance and value of the recreation industry has always been a pivotal connection point with communities,” said Dempsey. “Being involved with GRPA has been incredibly rewarding and I’m honored to be inducted into the Hall of Fame. I’m also thrilled that GRPA is partnering with UGA to enhance its leadership training.”
Dempsey’s UGA tenure extended beyond his PSO leadership role, which he held from 2006 until his retirement in January 2025. He also served as an adjunct professor in recreation and parks and worked in various recreational sports capacities during his more than 30 years at the university.
Additional information regarding the Georgia Recreation and Park Professional Certificate Program will be available in the future at cviog.uga.edu.
Steve Dempsey, former UGA PSO associate vice president and longtime advocate for recreation leadership