Member Spotlight

Paul Foltz

Aquatics Supervisor 
City of Henderson-Public Works, Parks and Recreation
Henderson, Nevada - USA

Featured in "World Waterpark Magazine," July/August 2018

WHAT IS YOUR EDUCATION AND PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE? 

I received a bachelor’s degree in public administration from the University of Nevada Las Vegas and I’m currently pursuing a master’s of public administration degree from the University of Southern California. I’ve been in the recreation industry for 9 years. 

WHAT CERTIFICATION OR LICENSING DO YOU HAVE? 
I hold certifications with both the American Red Cross and the Starfish Aquatics Institute including Lifeguard-Training Instructor, CPR & First-Aid Instructor, Water Safety Instructor and a Certified Pool Operator. 

WHAT HONORS, AWARDS OR SPECIAL RECOGNITION HAVE YOU ACHIEVED? 
In 2018, I received the President’s Award from the Nevada Recreation and Park Society (NRPS) for outstanding service. From 2017-2019, I’ve been a NRPS LEAD Institute graduate and I am currently serving as a mentor to the incoming LEAD class. I was honored by the NRPS Program of Excellence Award – Aquatics Category – Fun Instructed Novice (FIN) Swim Program in 2017. 

WHAT MADE YOU GO INTO THIS FIELD? 
I grew up in San Clemente, California and worked as a lifeguard at the Ole Hanson Beach Club Pool when I turned 16 years old. It was this position that instilled in me a love for public service, being active and engaging with the public through programs and special events. In 2015, I was fortunate enough to interview and be selected for an Aquatics Coordinator position with the City of Henderson. 

WHAT ASPECT OF THE WATERPARK INDUSTRY DO YOU LIKE BEST?
 I enjoy the team environment of the waterpark industry. Each member possesses certain skill-sets, experiences, strengths and weaknesses and when we come together to accomplish a common objective, it is inspiring and rewarding. 

WHO HAS MOST INSPIRED YOU IN YOUR CAREER? 
Recreation Services Manager Angela Summers for the City of Henderson has been profoundly inspirational in my career. Angela was on the panel of interviewers when I went for the Aquatics Coordinator position and took a chance on the “sales guy” who hadn’t been involved with the aquatics industry in over 6 years. Angela is able to effectively lead a team with passion, vigor, enthusiasm, skill and care that I’ve rarely witnessed. 

WHAT HAS BEEN THE GREATEST CHALLENGE IN YOUR WATERPARK CAREER? 
The greatest challenge has been finding balance. Our facilities are heavily utilized by both public and private organizations as well as the general public so it’s often a challenge finding a balance and ensuring all parties are receiving the needed facility space. 

HOW DO YOU KEEP FOCUSED AND MOTIVATED? 
I’m very fortunate to work with an incredibly talented team who are constantly pushing the envelope and seeking out innovation whenever possible. 

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE SOMEONE WHO IS INTERESTED IN WORKING IN THE WATERPARK INDUSTRY? 
Seek opportunities to learn and possess a working knowledge of programming, budgeting and finance, recruitment and training, contracts and agreements, safety and health code, policies and procedures and marketing. 

WHAT BOOKS OR PUBLICATIONS DO YOU RELY ON MOST FOR INSPIRATION OR MOTIVATION?
TED Talks provide great motivation and ideas to improve. I also enjoy reading biographies/autobiographies from industry leaders for inspiration. 

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE PART OF YOUR JOB? 
Working as a team to accomplish a common and shared objective and having fun while working together.

WHAT CAREER OR BUSINESS WOULD YOU CONSIDER IF YOU WERE STARTING ALL OVER AGAIN? 
I would be a mechanical engineer. Math was a difficult subject for me growing up and I should’ve put more effort into studying and comprehension into learning it more. 

HOW DID YOU FIRST GET INVOLVED WITH THE WWA? 
The City of Henderson has been involved with WWA for a number of years. I wanted to get involved with a global organization following the conclusion of my board term with our state recreation and park organization. An opportunity to serve on the Public Sector Committee with WWA opened up and I was fortunate enough to be selected. 

WHAT IS SOMETHING INTERESTING ABOUT YOU THAT FEW KNOW OR WOULD GUESS? 
I helped a friend with one of his early film projects while attending UNLV. The video became quite popular on YouTube and is called: “2AM: The Smiling Man.” I’m the goofy or scary smiling man.