Member Spotlight


Derricka Davis

Community Recreation & Aquatics Manager
Rockford park District
Rockford, Illinois - USA

Featured in World Waterpark Magazine,  May 2020

WHAT IS YOUR EDUCATION AND PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE? 
I have a B.S. in business administration with a concentration in management. I have enjoyed my entire professional career with the Rockford Park District over the last 15 years. In doing so, I have worn several hats including Program Supervisor, Operations Manager and, more recently, the Community Recreation and Aquatics Manager. 

WHAT CERTIFICATION OR LICENSING DO YOU HAVE? 
I am a Certified Trauma Informed Specialist. I also am Crisis Prevention Intervention Certified and Basic Life Support & AED Certified. 

WHAT HONORS, AWARDS OR SPECIAL RECOGNITION HAVE YOU ACHIEVED? 
I have been recognized with the Rockford Park District’s quarterly employee excellence award 6 times. I was nominated for Employee of the Year in 2018. In 2018, I was named “75 People You Should Know” by the Rockford Register Star. In 2019, I was honored as a “Next Up” Leader by the Rockford Register Star

WHAT MADE YOU GO INTO THIS FIELD? 
When I was in undergrad at Rockford College, I read the book, The Five Dysfunctions of a Team: A Leadership Fable by Patrick Lencioni, and it completely changed my thinking. This book inspired me and catapulted me into this career to challenge the way others think about leading a team. 

WHAT ASPECT OF THE WATERPARK INDUSTRY DO YOU LIKE BEST? 
I love the fast-paced environment. I like to be on my feet, hands on and in the action. 

WHO HAS MOST INSPIRED YOU IN YOUR CAREER? 
I am very family oriented. Although I would consider my work teammates like family, I attribute much of my success to the legacy built by my mother and father. My mother served as an educator for the local school district for 36 years and my father left his mark on the world through ministry & music. 

WHAT HAS BEEN THE GREATEST CHALLENGE IN YOUR WATERPARK CAREER? 
My greatest challenge was relying on the expertise of others to teach me an entirely new world, in such a short timeframe. My work ethic and experience leading staff made the job simple, but not easy. I am still learning every day, but I now have the skillset and the knowledge to make better decisions because I took the time to learn as much as I could from other leaders and the available resources around me. 

HOW DO YOU KEEP FOCUSED AND MOTIVATED? 
The simple notion that I have an entire community counting on me to be at the top of my game is all the motivation I have needed. I have always taken pride in what I do and in the quality of programming, customer service, trust and professionalism that my facilities and programs offered. 

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE SOMEONE WHO IS INTERESTED IN WORKING IN THE WATERPARK INDUSTRY? 
Change is inevitable, so learn to adapt and be flexible. Don’t worry about being perfect, but focus on making progress. 

WHAT BOOKS OR PUBLICATIONS DO YOU RELY ON MOST FOR INSPIRATION OR MOTIVATION? 
I have always enjoyed reading all of Patrick Lencioni’s publications. His teachings have been incredibly helpful when it comes to engaging a team of individuals and enhancing the culture. 

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE PART OF YOUR JOB? 
Building relationships is, by far, my favorite part of my job. In doing so, I have the opportunity to learn the needs of the community, learn from others and about my staff and provide a better experience for everyone involved in creating memories. 

WHAT CAREER OR BUSINESS WOULD YOU CONSIDER IF YOU WERE STARTING ALL OVER AGAIN? 
I would start my own clothing line and open up a restaurant; two options I consider still very much in reach! 

HOW DID YOU FIRST GET INVOLVED WITH THE WWA? 
Jessica Steinberg, Operations Director for the Rockford Park District, is the person who first told me about this organization. I felt that being involved in the WWA would be instrumental in my Aquatics career. By surrounding myself with experts in the field, I will be able to enhance my skillset, gain further knowledge and network. 

WHAT IS SOMETHING INTERESTING ABOUT YOU THAT FEW KNOW OR WOULD GUESS? 
I have a twin sister whose name is Erricka Davis. We both started out working for the Rockford Park District when we were 18. She is now a 6th grade assistant principal.