Our Team
Our Team
Board of Directors
Tim Rico, President/Chairman
Tim was born and raised in Visalia. Tim's first job in high school was with Visalia Parks and Recreation so he has fond memories working for the city. He is a Graduate Gemologist for Rogers Jewelry Co., in Bakersfield. His wife Connie is a teacher in Visalia, and all four of his children came through the school district and played sports, many of which he coached. Tim feels parks and activities are very important to the quality of life in and around Visalia.
Steve Woods, Vice President/Chairman
Steve has lived in Visalia since 1998, after serving in the U.S. Navy as a Nuclear Propulsion Plant Machinist Mate aboard the U.S.S. Nevada, SSBN 733 (Blue crew), a nuclear ballistic missile submarine. He has worked the last 21 years as an Instructional Technology Specialist for the Tulare County Office of Education, and until recently served as the Chair of the Visalia Parks and Recreation Commission. His huge heart and concern for community needs drives his passion to help our community.
Lisa Walsh, Secretary/Interim Director
Lisa grew up in northern Illinois, and moved to Visalia in 2014 with her husband Chris, daughter Vanessa, and son Jacob. She and her family love adventure and visiting national, state, and local parks. She worked for 22 years as a Regional Buyer/Inventory Management Specialist for Hydrite Chemical Company. She participated in the Leadership Visalia class of 2016-17 and her class project was to build a garden for the Visalia Senior Center. After graduation from the class she was invited to join the Parks and Recreation Commission and the Visalia Community Enhancement Foundation Board. She also actively participates in the Tulare Workforce Investment Advisory Board, South Valley Industrial Collaborative, the Tulare Kings County College and Career Collaborative, and holds a seat on the Visalia Economic Development Corporation Board.
Elia Havner, Treasurer
Elia migrated from Portugal over 55 years ago. Her first job was working for Crocker Bank right out of high school, and has been in banking ever since. Her husband Gary is a state employee for the Department of Correction. Her son Justin spent a lot of summers with Elia at the park when he was younger, where he made a lot of friends.
Board of Directors
Ben Blankenship
Mary Jo (MJ) Eastes
Kathy Falconer
Melanie Genanatti
Laura Hernandez
William Hitchman
Donna Kindschuh
Marie Labbee
Christie Long
Emeritus Board
Kristine Herd
In Memorium:
Michael Alvarez, President/Chairman 2018-2022
Michael was born in the Southern California city of Torrance, where he graduated from North Torrance High School. Michael moved up to the City of Visalia in 2007, where he became a full time professional photographer while also stringing for Gannett News (Visalia Times Delta/Tulare Advance Register). Michael also worked for Mike's Quality Camera until they went into retirement and closed shop. Michael sat on the Arts Consortium Board of Directors, as well as the Community Advisory Board with Valley PBS, and served as Advisory Chairperson for the El Diamante High School Academy of Media Arts.
Sadly, Michael passed away on July 24, 2022. He is sorely missed by everyone who knew him.