About Grand Prairie

Over the course of the last 17+ years, Michael is employed with the City of Grand Prairie in Parks, Arts and Recreation full time.  During that time, Michael has worked in many places throughout his tenure in Grand Prairie.

 

Early in his career beginning in May 2005, Michael started at the Ruthe Jackson Center after finishing college and worked as the Banquet captain overseeing weekend events.  One of things Michael started with was managing special events which included weddings and receptions, business meetings, corporate outings and quincineras.  He got experience with being bartender backup, event logistics and helping dignitaries from the Grand Prairie park Board and city council with city presentations.

 

Michael then moved forward in his journey to moving to Recreation.  He then became supervisor at Charley Taylor Recreation Center from 2006-2010.  Over the span of 4.5 years, Michael became skilled at putting together a team to help with After-school care and overseeing Summer Camps for kids ages 6-12 years.  One of the favorite things Michael enjoyed during this stage of his career was seeing the kids come back and become counselors in the camps they participated in.  Some years later, one of the 8 year olds that was in his camp that first year ended up becoming a recreation center manager and is now running camps for Boys and Girls Club in Arlington. The success stories are the best part of the profession and where kids and young adults end up doing after high school.

 

In 2010 while Grand Prairie was on the cusp of a big development boom, The Summit was created.  Michael became the Assistant Manager at the beginning when it started.  Over the next 13+ years, he has built along with his team and incredible 50+ active adult center for baby boomers and seniors to stay active for years to come.

 

Toastmasters International

In 2018, Michael began his journey with Toastmasters.  As one of the chartered members of the Grand Orators Toastmasters Club in Grand Prairie, Michael has helped build this open club to a fun and growing opportunity for city employees and public citizens to enjoy.  In 2021, Michael added a second club to his list, a more seasoned club to continue building on skills, he joined Out on the Town Toastmasters.