“I am proud Tahoe is my home and I will continue to work hard to give back to the town that has given me so much.”
Kelley Edwards is the Recreation Supervisor for the City of South Lake Tahoe and works to organize all the City’s fun community events. A Blue Ribbon Award nominee, a”Leadership Begins with You” award winner, and an active volunteer, Kelley is an amazing asset to our City and our community as a whole.
Congratulations to this week’s 40 under 40 honoree, Kelley Edwards!
Can you tell us a little about your responsibilities and accomplishments in your current position?
I am the supervisor for the City of South Lake Tahoe’s Recreation Services department. I have been with the City for 5 years and I love all the amazing people I work with and the fun community programs I help to organize. In my job, I am responsible for:
- Recruiting, hiring, training and supervising all part time/seasonal employees
- Developing and overseeing all programs at the Recreation & Swim Complex, STAR Camp, Bijou Golf Course, and The Campground by the Lake
- Supervising a team of approximately 25 year-round and an additional 25 seasonal employees to effectively manage program operations
- Developing, planning, organizing, implementing, and evaluating a variety of community services and recreation programs, including special events and contract services
- Serving as staff liaison on various City recreation or community related committees and subcommittees
In 2016, the City awarded me the “Leadership Begins with You” award
What has been your favorite professional moment in the last year?
My favorite professional moment in the last year was twofold: first when I was nominated for the Tahoe Chamber’s Blue Ribbon Award; and secondly, when my front line team presented me with a homemade award certificate complete with congratulatory comments and positive notes from all the team members. They didn’t have to do this. Their show of support really made me feel like I was doing a good job as a manager and that I was working with a very special team.
Do you have a professional/life mantra that you live by?
“Be the change that you wish to see in the world”
– Mahatma Gandhi
Who is your role model?
My role models are my parents who showed me how to work hard, how to respect others, and who provided me with the tools and education I needed to be successful. I also see my boss, Lauren Thomaselli, as a role model as she sets the bar high as a boss and public sector employee and she continues to promote me in my career.
Why choose Tahoe to make your home and career?
Like so many people, I moved to Tahoe for just one winter, and 10 years later, I am still here. The beauty of the lake and mountains are what first kept me in Tahoe, but ultimately, I fell in love with this town full of inspiring, hardworking, fun loving, mountain people. Tahoe is a place where a healthy work life balance is not only encouraged, it is mandatory. I am proud Tahoe is my home and I will continue to work hard to give back to the town that has given me so much.
Are you active in any volunteer roles or community groups?
- I am on the board of Tahoe Regional Young Professionals
- I am a taskforce member for Leadership Lake Tahoe
What is your favorite thing to do outside of work?
When I’m not working, you can usually find me out walking or hiking with my pup. In the wintertime, I love skiing. In the summer, I love going to the beach, camping, or getting out on the lake with friends. I also read a lot, love cooking, gardening, listening to podcasts, and I try to travel someplace new every year.
Where are your favorite South Shore stomping grounds?
In the summertime, I love getting dressed up and getting a fancy cocktail at Edgewood or listening to live music with a cold beer at Aleworx or SLBC. I also love relaxing on any of the beautiful beaches in town or playing outside at any of our City parks. In the wintertime, you can find me skiing at Sierra at Tahoe or cross-country skiing. I also really enjoy a slow weekend morning drinking coffee and eating fancy snacks at the Crazy Good Bakery.