Virtual Education: Floaties Won’t Fix Poor Leadership
December 3, 2026 | 1:00 - 2:30 PM ET | 0.1 CEUs
Floaties Won’t Fix Poor Leadership
Devon Poulos, Aquatics Manager, North Port Parks and Recreation
Strong aquatics leadership requires more than a whistle, a smile, and a pair of floaties to keep things afloat. When team culture struggles, programs suffer, and guest experience dips below the surface, it takes intentional leadership, not a quick fix, to get back on course. This session explores the essential skills aquatics leaders need to move beyond “band-aid” solutions and build teams that are confident, engaged, and ready to dive into challenges.
Competencies: Supervision & Oversight, Leadership
Scope(s) of Responsibility: Developmental, Single Focus/Multi Management
- Implement leadership strategies that strengthen communication, accountability, and trust within aquatics teams.
- Examine the limitations of quick-fix approaches in aquatics leadership and their long-term impact on staff and operations.
- Design actionable steps to build resilient staff who can confidently handle challenges and contribute to a positive organizational culture.
Sponsored by:
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About Devon: Devon Poulos has over a decade of experience in the recreation field, having worked with local YMCA organizations and county-level government agencies. Since joining the City of North Port in November 2018, he has held several key roles, including Recreation Program Coordinator, Head Lifeguard, Assistant Aquatics Supervisor, and Aquatics Manager. Devon has earned multiple professional certifications, including the Aquatic Facility Operator (AFO) in 2019, Lifeguard Instructor Trainer (LGIT) in 2022, and Certified Park and Recreation Executive (CPRE) in 2023. He holds a bachelor’s degree from Florida International University and is currently pursuing a Master’s degree from Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU). Devon completed The Emerging Leaders Institute in 2021 and graduated from the Abrahams Jones Academy for Leadership Excellence in 2023. He played a vital role in helping the City of North Port achieve its initial CAPRA accreditation in 2019 and contributed to the successful reaccreditation in 2024. |
Sessions are $25 for Members and Silver and Gold Agency Members. $35 for non members.
All FRPA Virtual Education Sessions are live and encourage you to stay engaged so that discussion can take place during and after the presentation. Each session has been scheduled for the time of the presentation but please keep in mind that we will have around seven to ten minutes of introductory announcements and possibly words from our sponsor during the session. These may cause the session to run over the allotted time by 10-15 minutes.
Please make sure your first and last name appear as your profile name so that the moderator will know to let you into the meeting. If are not able to make this change, it is your responsibility to inform FRPA what device name you will be signing in under.
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