Pulaski County Parks and Recreation Staff Earns Event Management Certification

Pulaski County Parks and Recreation staff member Jenna Kinder has earned the designation of Certified Festival and Event Associate (CFEA) after successfully completing a rigorous two-year Event Management School offered by the International Festivals & Events Association (IFEA) in partnership with the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA).

The nationally recognized program prepares professionals to effectively plan, manage, and deliver high-quality community festivals and special events. Hosted at the Oglebay National Training Center in West Virginia, the school combines in-depth instruction with applied, real-world project work led by experienced and internationally recognized event industry professionals.

Over the two-year program, Kinder completed coursework in event budgeting and financial management, sponsorship development, marketing and communications, volunteer coordination, legal and risk management, accessibility and inclusion, and project-based event planning. The advanced second-year curriculum focused on applied risk management, stakeholder-driven event design, and emerging trends impacting the events industry.

“Jenna’s dedication to this program speaks volumes about the pride she takes in her work and our community she serves,” said Shay Dunnigan, Director of Pulaski County Parks and

Recreation. “When our staff invests in professional growth, it directly translates to better planning, stronger experiences, and safer events for our community. We’re proud to support development opportunities like this because they raise the standard for everything we do.”

Earning the Certified Festival and Event Associate designation reflects a significant professional accomplishment and enhances Pulaski County Parks and Recreation’s capacity to produce safe, enjoyable, and well-executed events that strengthen community connection and quality of life.