Member Spotlight

Chelsea Nelson
Operations Manager

Raging Rivers Waterpark
Grafton, Illinois - U.S.A.

Featured in World Waterpark Magazine, June 2023

WHAT IS YOUR EDUCATION AND PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE? 
Education: I graduated from University of Wisconsin–Stout with a Bachelor’s degree in Hotels, Restaurants and Tourism Management and minor in Business Administration. I also studied abroad for a semester in Scotland, then lived in Australia for a year studying Tourism Management and completing a Human Resource intern- ship at the Gold Coast International Airport. 
Experience: Having grown up in Wisconsin Dells, I have been in and around waterparks since I was 16 years old. I spent over 5 years at Chula Vista Resort, beginning as a waterpark desk attendant and leaving as the Waterpark Food & Beverage Manager, overseeing 10 individual food and beverage outlets between the indoor and outdoor waterparks. After a 3-year resort hiatus, I joined the Pool Management Group in Columbus, Ohio as the Human Resource Director. Recently, I joined the Raging Rivers Waterpark team and look forward to my first season at the park. 

WHAT CERTIFICATION OR LICENSING DO YOU HAVE? 
American Red Cross Lifeguard & Lifeguard Instructor 
American Red Cross Basic Life Support Instructor 
Ellis & Associates Lifeguard & Lifeguard Instructor 

Certified Pool Operator (CPO) 

ServSafe Food Handler, Manager, Instructor, and Proctor 

ServSafe Alcohol Instructor & Proctor 

ServSafe Allergens 

Professional in Human Resources (PHR) 

Certificate in Human Resources–Business Ethics 

WHAT HONORS, AWARDS OR SPECIAL RECOGNITION HAVE YOU ACHIEVED? 
Ellis & Associates Platinum Safety Award
Self-proclamined energy drink connoisseur annually from May to August

WHAT MADE YOU GO INTO THIS FIELD? 
Having grown up near the Waterpark Capital of the World, this field was forefront in my mind while looking for my first job. It’s the people, the excitement, the fast-paced environment, and the evolution of all things waterparks that piqued my interest and has kept me in it. 


WHAT ASPECT OF THE WATERPARK INDUSTRY DO YOU LIKE BEST? 
My favorite part of the industry is the people. I’m very appreciative of having the opportunity to be a part of the process as young adults earn their first job or promotion, or a guest celebrates conquering a “big” ride for the first time and hearing families talk about all the memories that come from our waterpark. 

WHO HAS MOST INSPIRED YOU IN YOUR CAREER? 
I have always felt it’s my duty to find an idea or inspiration from every person I meet. Everyone has a unique experience that I can learn some- thing from if I listen and ask the right questions. My latest inspiration comes from our young professionals and their resilience over the past couple of years. These individuals conquered unprecedented times and continue to rebuild today. 

WHAT HAS BEEN THE GREATEST CHALLENGE IN YOUR WATERPARK CAREER? 
The greatest challenge of my career was achieving a leadership position at a resort at a young age. I had to quickly learn how to work with individuals my own age and older, both by their side and in a leadership role. Being a young female made it difficult to develop the confidence to “be taken seriously”. It warms my heart to see more diversity within the industry every year and to have had that experience so I can pass along my knowledge to others that may be experiencing the same. 

HOW DO YOU KEEP FOCUSED AND MOTIVATED? 
A great playlist can really work wonders in the office when I need to buckle down and knock out a few tasks. I find motivation in participating in WWA events, attending personal and professional growth trainings, and seeing the happy faces and wagging tails of my dogs when I get home after a long day. 

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE SOMEONE WHO IS INTERESTED IN WORKING IN THE WATERPARK INDUSTRY? 
Ask questions, be brave, step outside the comfort zone, and never stop exploring. Find a mentor in the industry to lean on and grow your network. 

WHAT BOOKS OR PUBLICATIONS DO YOU RELY ON MOST FOR INSPIRATION OR MOTIVATION? 
I regularly monitor publications from The Society of Human Resource Management (SHRM) and The Human Resource Standards Institute (HRCI) to ensure that I am tapping into all staffing trends, needs, and ideas. On my night stand I have, Breaking the Stress Cycle: 7 Steps to Greater Resilience, Happiness, and Peace of Mind by Andrew Bern- stein and The 5 Languages of Appreciation in the Workplace by Gary Chapman and Paul White. 

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE PART OF YOUR JOB? 
There are never any 2 days that are the same! I love a job that can keep me on my toes where the learning never ends. I also love coaching, mentoring, and teaching our leaders and future leaders. 

WHAT CAREER OR BUSINESS WOULD YOU CONSIDER IF YOU WERE STARTING ALL OVER AGAIN? 
I would love to work in a Study Abroad office at a collegiate level! Or, in an alternate universe where I didn’t grow up in the Midwest and where I was great at science, I would be fascinated by Marine Biology. 

HOW DID YOU FIRST GET INVOLVED WITH THE WWA? 
I first became involved in WWA through a member of my network inviting me to join the Technology Committee. Ever since I joined the committee, there were multiple doors opened for me and I was able to grow my network exponentially. 

WHAT IS SOMETHING INTERESTING ABOUT YOU THAT FEW KNOW OR WOULD GUESS? 
I absolutely love traveling; new cultures are intriguing and I love seeing new sights. Many people do not realize I have lived in Scotland and Australia for a short period. These experiences were invaluable in that they taught me to have an open and accepting mindset and to embrace every new adventure... •