By Ed Pierce
American novelist Thomas Wolfe is known for writing the famous line “you can never go home again,” but he apparently never met Derek Hanrahan, the new Youth and Family Program Coordinator at Windham Parks and Recreation.
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| Derek Hanrahan is the new Youth and Family Program Coordinator for Windham Parks and Recreation. He is a graduate of Windham High and will oversee a variety of recreational programs for the town. SUBMITTED PHOTO |
In his role as Youth and Family Program Coordinator, Hanrahan plans, coordinates, promotes, and evaluates a variety of recreational programs, including instructional programs, field trips, and special events. He creates contracts and schedules; assists with budget preparation and monitoring; and oversees day camp, after-school enrichment and family programming under direction of the Windham Parks and Recreation Director.
He also develops new and innovative programs and strives to continually improve current programs, assists in the training of staff for all programs and activities, provides oversight, ensures quality work productivity and services are provided to the community and presides over programs as needed.
“I implement and manage Youth and Family programs, events, and activities offered through the Town of Windham,” Hanrahan said. “The best thing about what I do in this job is being involved in the community and creating a sense of belonging by providing opportunities to the youth and families that make this town great.”
Since he’s only been on the job for a little over a month, Hanrahan is deepening his understanding of what is required to manage a highly successful recreation program in a growing community like Windham.
“With only being a part of the Parks & Recreation team for a short amount of time, I’m still learning what it takes to plan, coordinate, and manage programs,” he said. “I’m getting a better handle on the organization, logistics, and overall coordination needed to make each program come together smoothly.”
It should not take Hanrahan long to hit his stride as his experience as a Business Operations Manager, Insurance Business Manager, Business Development Manager, Clubhouse and Equipment Manager have thoroughly prepared him to undertake this new position. Among companies he’s worked for are AAA Northern New England and the Boston Red Sox.
“I was looking for something I’m truly passionate about, something that would bring me back to my roots and give me the chance to make a real, lasting impact in my community,” he said. “The public may not know that there’s a lot more that goes into creating and managing a program than most people might expect. It really is a balancing act behind the scenes. From coordinating facility reservations and securing field space, to lining up the right staff and vendors, there are a lot of moving parts that have to come together. More than often, we're working alongside and sometimes competing with a full schedule of other programs, all trying to make the best use of limited time and space. It can be challenging but it’s also rewarding when everything finally comes together and runs smoothly.”
According to Hanrahan, his family has been supportive throughout his joining Windham Parks and Recreation.
“They are happy to see me in a position that’s giving me the chance to get back to something I’m passionate about,” he said.
He’s still working on finding his most memorable moment while working for Windham Parks and Recreation.
“No one moment stands out as of yet, but from the start, I’ve felt a strong sense of respect, belonging, and a genuinely warm welcome,” Hanrahan said. “Everyone has been approachable and supportive, which has made it much easier getting comfortable in my role. Learning about the long-term plans and continued expansion of Parks and Recreation programs has been really exciting. It’s great to see the thoughtful vision that goes into it and how it’s shaping up to create even more opportunities for the community.” <
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