February 2025 – Parks & Recreation - 34

30 UNDER 30
Nick Krueger, 30
Marketing Content Coordinator, Charleston County Park and Recreation Commission (SC)
As the marketing content coordinator for Charleston County Parks, Nick Krueger has created meaningful
connections between the agency and community. Through his social media and email marketing
efforts, Krueger has connected with more than 63,000 people through targeted emails, achieving a 50
percent open rate consistently. His strategic approach has yielded 25 percent growth in Facebook
reach, a tripling of Instagram followers from 8,000 to more than 38,000, and the successful launch
of a TikTok channel that gained 1,600 followers within its first year. In 2022, Krueger's outstanding
work was recognized by the Charleston branch of the American Marketing Association, garnering
the award for Best Social Media Presence.
Michael Manning, CAPM, 28
Innovation and Performance Management Navigator, St. Lucie County Board of County Commissioners (FL)
Michael Manning has served City of Lake Wales, City of Mexico Beach, City of Crystal River and St. Lucie County
in a variety of capacities, ranging from management analyst to assistant city manager. Implementing high-quality
project management and process improvement initiatives has been his chief focus to drive organizational efficiency
and effectiveness. Manning's impact on his current and past communities include working to implement the
Lake Wales " City in a Garden " initiative, including starting a tree advisory board, establishing Arbor Day
events and leading beautification efforts citywide. Also, Manning started a Horticulture division, combining
the program with the city's parks department and overseeing approximately 15 staffers.
Jose Marines, 27
Administrative Analyst, City of Lewisville Parks and Recreation Department (TX)
As administrative analyst for the Lewisville Parks and Recreation Department (PARD), Jose Marines is
committed to improving public spaces and consistently contributing to community, scholar and departmental
initiatives that promote accessibility, inclusivity, innovation and sustainability. One of Marines'
significant accomplishments was supporting the development of the Healthy Infrastructure Plan.
He also contributed to PARD's parks master plan aimed at improving public health through accessible
and well-designed green spaces. He co-led the creation of the first-ever Program Scholarship
Committee, making recreational programs more accessible to all families. What's more,
Marines secured more than $250,000 in grants for tree plantings and playground equipment,
which has further strengthened PARD's resources.
Allison Murphy, CPRP, 29
Recreation Program Specialist, Town of Garner Parks, Recreation and Cultural Resources (NC)
In 2022, Allison Murphy was promoted as recreation program specialist, where she has developed
environmental and STEM education programs to engage young people. Murphy has conceived
and launched several early environmental education programs, including " Little Wild Ones " (for
kids ages 3 to 5) and " Little Outdoor Explorer's Club " (for kids ages 4 to 6). She leads the young
participants in hikes through the park's nature trails - discovering wildlife in the woods, in
the mud or in streams - and learning about the ecosystem of the park. In 2023, Murphy applied
and received a mini grant from Environmental Educators of North Carolina to create
a Barefoot Sensory Pathway at the park.
34 Parks & Recreation | FEBR U AR Y 2 0 2 5 | PARK S ANDRECRE AT ION . OR G

February 2025 – Parks & Recreation

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