Spencer Huard - Creative Services Manager

Spencer Huard grew up in Glen Ellyn, Illinois playing park district sports and enjoying nature as much as possible. During high school he developed a keen interest in computers which progressed to designing and developing websites. After studying Computer Science at Western Illinois University he spent 5 years as a Web Master for an e-commerce startup and then 5 years as a Content Manager for a motorsports entertainment company.   In 2011 he became the Web Designer for the Naperville Park District and was responsible for creating multiple visually-appealing websites. In his current role as the Creative Services Manager, he is responsible for overseeing many types of print, social and digital marketing materials and website content.  

Q&A with Spencer

Describe your path to the parks and recreation industry. Did you start your career from the beginning in this industry? If not, how did you get here and why did you pursue a job in this field?
When I entered the workforce after college. it was at the height of the dot-com boom. It was a very exciting time to be writing code and working on websites.   When I was hired on as the Web Master for a electric motor company in 2001, we were one of the first e-commerce sites in the industry. I experienced first hand how customers shifted their habits from purchasing in-store to online. I then spent the next 5 years in the entertainment industry traveling the country as a content manager and webcast producer for a large motorsports company.   When the Naperville Park District was looking for a Web Designer, I jumped at the opportunity to work in a field that I love with an opportunity to support the community I live in.

Please explain your specific role as succinctly as possible, including which department you work in.
As the Creative Services Manger working in the Marketing Department for the Naperville Park District, I am responsible for managing the Graphic Designer and Publication Designer whose duties are varied and include creating posters, flyers, brochures, photography, the production of our quarterly program guide and more.   On a daily basis I manage the design and content of the District's five websites, social media, email marketing and various digital signage.  

What about your life in general makes this industry a good fit for you?
Having direct involvement in promoting passive and active recreation in the community I live in makes my job extremely rewarding.   My family has always lived an active lifestyle and my kids have participated in many of the same programs and events that I market on a daily basis. We market to all ages and have a diverse offering of programs so it keeps the job fun. No two days are the same and that is something that really resonates with me. I have never worked with a nicer, more dedicated group of coworkers. Everyone comes to work to fulfill the District's mission and we have a great time doing it. The work-life balance and wellness initiatives the District offers are top notch and my family and I really appreciate it!

If you would recommend working in parks and rec to others, what reasons would you give to support your recommendation?
I highly recommend working in this industry for anyone who likes variety in their lives. The District is responsible for meeting the needs of the community, which can often change. Our roles here are challenging and exciting, but rarely dull. For anyone who likes to see the results of their work affect peoples lives in a positive way, this industry is for you. Whether you are mowing lawns, lifeguarding, creating new programs, designing parks or working in the marketing department like me, you are responsible for making the community a better place to live. I recommend you give it a try!