Kick off 2026 with Our Keynote - Ernie After taking Maverik from an outdated western-themed convenience store to a $3 billion high-energy adventure brand, Ernie Harker has become a go-to expert for organizations ready to spark bold, unforgettable brands. As a small business owner for over 30 years, he and his creative team have developed dozens of standout brands. Fueled by contagious energy and a wildly creative mind, Ernie captivates audiences while delivering practical strategies that work.

Outside the world of branding, Ernie is all about adventure and creativity. He's a passionate artist who loves to draw, a fitness junkie who lives for mountain biking and wakeboarding, and the author and illustrator of a children's book. He's completed an IronMan, climbed Kilimanjaro, and when he's not sparking brand brilliance, he's soaking up time with his family and seven brothers—usually with a lot of laughs and a dash of chaos.

Trent Bristol Biography Coming Soon!

Alice Chambers With 30+ years' experience in environmental education and interpretation, Alice Chambers oversees all aspects of managing five nature centers within Mecklenburg County, NC. Her skills include program development, facility management, and staff training.

Shawn DeRosa Shawn DeRosa is one of the nation's leading experts in managing recreational risks. As owner of DeRosa Aquatic Consulting, Shawn helps agencies minimize risks and improve safety through consulting services and high-quality education and training programs. He has been recognized three times by Aquatics International Magazine as one of the "Power 25" leaders in the aquatics industry.

Shawn is currently the Director of the Bureau of Pool and Waterfront Safety for the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation. His experience in public parks and recreation, aside from having worked as a lifeguard and aquatic director for his hometown recreation department, includes having worked as the Waterfront Program Coordinator for the Massachusetts state park system and as a Regional Director for the National Recreation and Park Association. His experience in higher education extends beyond that of a professor into administration, having served for nearly ten years as the Director of Aquatics and Safety Officer for Intercollegiate Athletics and then as Senior Associate Director of Campus Recreation at Penn State University. He combines these experiences with his background and training as an attorney to provide litigation support services as an expert witness in a variety of pool and beach cases. His knowledge of the aquatics industry combined with his experience as a consultant, attorney and expert witness help bring a dose of reality to all of his training programs.

Over the years, Shawn has worked closely with the American Red Cross in the development of the lifeguarding, CPR and water safety programs and has even made an appearance in a number of Red Cross training videos. Fifteen years ago, Shawn developed the Practical Pool Management PLUS course, a pool operator training program recognized by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control. He has provided training programs across the United States, as well as in Mexico, Canada, Hong Kong and Dubai. The recipient of the International Swimming Hall of Fame's Paragon Award for Aquatic Safety and the Distinguished Service award by the Association of Aquatic Professionals, Shawn is one of the most sought-after speakers in the industry.

Megan Keul Megan Keul serves on the North Carolina Recreation and Park Association's Board of Directors. An NRPA “30 Under 30” award winner and Fellow, Megan is passionate about helping communities connect, create meaningful experiences, and strengthen sense of place.

Michael Kirschman Michael Kirschman is the Virginia Beach Director of Parks and Recreation. He has also worked for park systems in NC, IL and OH, the American Samoa EPA, and consulted for the National Park Service. He speaks extensively throughout the country and has instructed at numerous NRPA schools.

Kelly Kopp Kelly Kopp is a Professor and Extension Specialist in the Plants, Soils & Climate department at Utah State University. Her research focuses on landscape water conservation, irrigation technologies, and sustainable turfgrass management.

Juliet Kuehnle Juliet Kuehnle is a therapist who goes to therapy. She is a National Board Certified Counselor and the CEO & founder of Sun Counseling & Wellness. She is also a sought-after keynote speaker, mental health consultant, and writer with a magazine byline. Her mission is to normalize and elevate the way we talk about mental wellness.

Chris Nunes Chris Nunes is COO of The Woodlands Township, managing a $50M+ budget, 151 parks, 14 pools, 220 miles of pathways, and 200 miles of streetscape. A national speaker with he shares expertise in business planning, innovation, creative programming, marketing, funding, and communication.

Natalia Ospina Biography Coming Soon!

S. David Ramirez S. David Ramirez, CFEE, is an award-winning event professional and technologist. He leads SDMRamirez, serving events and economic development agencies nationwide. He serves on boards of IFEA Foundation and TFEA and teaches at the NRPA/IFEA Event Management School.

Shane Richards Biography Coming Soon!

Priscilla Scott Priscilla Scott is a parks and recreation professional with over 20 years of experience creating innovative, technology focused programs. She led the technology center from construction to implementation prior to launching Bold Moves Consulting where she focuses on empowering professionals.