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ORPA Leadership Academy
2026 - 2027 Cohort
Sudent Spotlights
Leadership Academy participants develop the knowledge, leadership skills, and project management experience needed to strengthen parks and recreation throughout Oregon. As future leaders in the profession, their experiences, interests, and perspectives are an important part of the Academy community.
To learn more about each participants, click on their photo below!
Cory Abbe
THPRD | Capital Improvement Project Manager
>What do you love about parks & recreation?
I love that parks and recreation meets people right where they are, through every stage of life. Whether it’s a child’s first trip down a slide, a teenager playing on the soccer field, a young adult walking their dog, or a parent teaching their baby to swim, this industry truly encompasses it all.
>What led you to this career?
Before joining THPRD, I spent 11 years at a commercial general contractor in California building technical healthcare and life sciences projects. I grew up in Oregon and have always been passionate about public spaces and I deliberately transitioned from the private construction industry to parks & recreation. I have family that worked for the National Parks & Forest Service and mission driven work has always fueled me, so I realized I could bring my passion for recreation space and my construction knowledge together.
>What are you most looking forward to about the Leadership Academy?
The main 3 components (mentorship, capstone, and classroom learning) all excite me in different ways but the thing I am most looking forward to is getting to know my fellow cohort members. Since I spent the first decade+ of my career in the Bay Area, I am eager for connections and pals in the industry across Oregon.
>What is your favorite recreational space in Oregon?
I got married on Mount Hood and love every season on the mountain whether it's skiing in the winter, backpacking in the summer, or leaf peeping right now!!
>What's one recreation activity that you want to try, but haven't yet?
Admittedly I have only barely ever paddle boarded - people in Oregon seem really jazzed on it and I'd love to give it a real effort sometime.
>If you had to recommend one thing to do in Oregon, what would it be?
Every friend that visits us for the first time gets to pick between the gorge/mountain loop or the ocean loop. We'll get some local coffee & pastries in Portland & then choose between a day of waterfalls, breweries, & mountain hikes or pronto pups, seafood, & ocean strolls. You can't go wrong!
>What do you love about parks & recreation?
I love that parks and recreation meets people right where they are, through every stage of life. Whether it’s a child’s first trip down a slide, a teenager playing on the soccer field, a young adult walking their dog, or a parent teaching their baby to swim, this industry truly encompasses it all.
>What led you to this career?
Before joining THPRD, I spent 11 years at a commercial general contractor in California building technical healthcare and life sciences projects. I grew up in Oregon and have always been passionate about public spaces and I deliberately transitioned from the private construction industry to parks & recreation. I have family that worked for the National Parks & Forest Service and mission driven work has always fueled me, so I realized I could bring my passion for recreation space and my construction knowledge together.
>What are you most looking forward to about the Leadership Academy?
The main 3 components (mentorship, capstone, and classroom learning) all excite me in different ways but the thing I am most looking forward to is getting to know my fellow cohort members. Since I spent the first decade+ of my career in the Bay Area, I am eager for connections and pals in the industry across Oregon.
>What is your favorite recreational space in Oregon?
I got married on Mount Hood and love every season on the mountain whether it's skiing in the winter, backpacking in the summer, or leaf peeping right now!!
>What's one recreation activity that you want to try, but haven't yet?
Admittedly I have only barely ever paddle boarded - people in Oregon seem really jazzed on it and I'd love to give it a real effort sometime.
>If you had to recommend one thing to do in Oregon, what would it be?
Every friend that visits us for the first time gets to pick between the gorge/mountain loop or the ocean loop. We'll get some local coffee & pastries in Portland & then choose between a day of waterfalls, breweries, & mountain hikes or pronto pups, seafood, & ocean strolls. You can't go wrong!
Raina Bilbrew
Portland Parks and Recreation | Recreation Coordinator I
>What do you love about parks & recreation?
What I truly love about Parks and Recreation is the opportunity to passionately develop programs that genuinely serve our historically underserved communities.
>What led you to this career?
What motivated me to pursue a career in Parks and Recreation was the desire to make a meaningful difference in the lives of children after finishing college. I began my journey in preschool, gradually advancing to our teen program, and eventually to SUN Community Schools. I’ve stayed because I truly believe in the power of this work—the chance to positively influence as many kids as I possibly can fills me with passion and purpose.
>What are you most looking forward to about the Leadership Academy?
What I am most excited about regarding the Leadership Academy is the chance to meet others who share the same passion and to forge meaningful new connections across the state.
>What is your favorite recreational space in Oregon?
My favorite recreation space in Oregon is the beach. It’s my sanctuary, a heartfelt refuge and a cherished escape for my family and me, no matter the season.
>What's one recreation activity that you want to try, but haven't yet?
One recreation activity I’ve always wanted to try but haven’t yet is gardening. I’ve recently started to get into plants, and I feel a growing passion to take that next step—creating my own garden.
>If you had to recommend one thing to do in Oregon, what would it be?
If I could recommend just one thing to do in Oregon, it would be to experience the breathtaking beauty of hiking along the beach.
>What do you love about parks & recreation?
What I truly love about Parks and Recreation is the opportunity to passionately develop programs that genuinely serve our historically underserved communities.
>What led you to this career?
What motivated me to pursue a career in Parks and Recreation was the desire to make a meaningful difference in the lives of children after finishing college. I began my journey in preschool, gradually advancing to our teen program, and eventually to SUN Community Schools. I’ve stayed because I truly believe in the power of this work—the chance to positively influence as many kids as I possibly can fills me with passion and purpose.
>What are you most looking forward to about the Leadership Academy?
What I am most excited about regarding the Leadership Academy is the chance to meet others who share the same passion and to forge meaningful new connections across the state.
>What is your favorite recreational space in Oregon?
My favorite recreation space in Oregon is the beach. It’s my sanctuary, a heartfelt refuge and a cherished escape for my family and me, no matter the season.
>What's one recreation activity that you want to try, but haven't yet?
One recreation activity I’ve always wanted to try but haven’t yet is gardening. I’ve recently started to get into plants, and I feel a growing passion to take that next step—creating my own garden.
>If you had to recommend one thing to do in Oregon, what would it be?
If I could recommend just one thing to do in Oregon, it would be to experience the breathtaking beauty of hiking along the beach.
MK Britton
Willamalane Park and Recreation District | Operations Analyst
>What do you love about parks & recreation?
Parks and Rec marries so many things I value deeply: Public health, community well-being, staying active, and responsible stewardship of our natural environment!
>What led you to this career?
I transitioned into this field from working in the youth shelter system in a different city and have been with Willamalane for ten years now in several different roles. I love supporting our district and the broader industry in its tireless efforts to bring accessible recreation and outdoor opportunities to everyone. I also really enjoy working with our Natural Resources team to preserve natural areas and important habitats in proximity to ever-expanding urban centers.
>What are you most looking forward to about the Leadership Academy?
I've grown a lot in my role at Willamalane and want to keep going! I love learning and being of service, and feel that the Leadership Academy is an excellent opportunity to dig in and coalesce a vision for the future.
>What is your favorite recreational space in Oregon?
I spend as much time as I can on horseback in the mountains (preferably wilderness!) and high desert, but I love exploring parks and trails closer to home as well. I'll have to say the Three Sisters Wilderness is a particular favorite.
>What's one recreation activity that you want to try, but haven't yet?
Probably snowboarding.
>If you had to recommend one thing to do in Oregon, what would it be?
Get outside, however you're able!
>What do you love about parks & recreation?
Parks and Rec marries so many things I value deeply: Public health, community well-being, staying active, and responsible stewardship of our natural environment!
>What led you to this career?
I transitioned into this field from working in the youth shelter system in a different city and have been with Willamalane for ten years now in several different roles. I love supporting our district and the broader industry in its tireless efforts to bring accessible recreation and outdoor opportunities to everyone. I also really enjoy working with our Natural Resources team to preserve natural areas and important habitats in proximity to ever-expanding urban centers.
>What are you most looking forward to about the Leadership Academy?
I've grown a lot in my role at Willamalane and want to keep going! I love learning and being of service, and feel that the Leadership Academy is an excellent opportunity to dig in and coalesce a vision for the future.
>What is your favorite recreational space in Oregon?
I spend as much time as I can on horseback in the mountains (preferably wilderness!) and high desert, but I love exploring parks and trails closer to home as well. I'll have to say the Three Sisters Wilderness is a particular favorite.
>What's one recreation activity that you want to try, but haven't yet?
Probably snowboarding.
>If you had to recommend one thing to do in Oregon, what would it be?
Get outside, however you're able!
Eva Daigle
Corvallis Parks & Recreation | Recreation Coordinator
>What do you love about parks & recreation?
Inclusive opportunities to play sports with family and friends.
>What led you to this career?
I love sports and providing a space where anyone can play and be physically active.
>What are you most looking forward to about the Leadership Academy?
I am looking forward to growing my leadership skills and challenging myself with a project beyond my everyday scope of work.
>What is your favorite recreational space in Oregon?
The beach at Ecola State Park.
>What's one recreation activity that you want to try, but haven't yet?
Trail Running.
>If you had to recommend one thing to do in Oregon, what would it be?
Go to the Oregon Coast. It doesn't matter where, just see the ocean.
>What do you love about parks & recreation?
Inclusive opportunities to play sports with family and friends.
>What led you to this career?
I love sports and providing a space where anyone can play and be physically active.
>What are you most looking forward to about the Leadership Academy?
I am looking forward to growing my leadership skills and challenging myself with a project beyond my everyday scope of work.
>What is your favorite recreational space in Oregon?
The beach at Ecola State Park.
>What's one recreation activity that you want to try, but haven't yet?
Trail Running.
>If you had to recommend one thing to do in Oregon, what would it be?
Go to the Oregon Coast. It doesn't matter where, just see the ocean.
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