Goochland Parks staff earn certifications to enhance county services

Goochland County is betting that stronger staff credentials will mean smoother weekends at the farmers market, safer summer programs and better-run public facilities. On May 7, the county recognized Angelia Miller, Joe Razzano and Alyssa Ferguson for completing certifications tied directly to the jobs they do for Goochland County Parks & Recreation.

Miller, the assistant director of recreation, finished the Certified Farmers Market Manager program through the Virginia Farmers Market Association after a 14-week course on market operations, vendor coordination and program development. That training goes straight to the work behind the Goochland Powhatan Farmers Market, where planning affects everything from how vendors are organized to how well the market runs for shoppers who come for farm-fresh produce, meats, honey, baked goods, artisan crafts, weekly food trucks and live music.

Razzano, the facility manager, earned the Certified Parks and Recreation Professional credential through the National Recreation and Park Association. The NRPA calls CPRP the national standard for parks and recreation professionals, a credential that signals training in operations, planning and leadership. In practical terms, that can shape how Goochland handles the upkeep, scheduling and day-to-day performance of the spaces families use for recreation and community gatherings.

Ferguson, the youth program coordinator, completed the American Camp Association’s Camp Director Certification in a five-week program focused on camp management and leadership. The course is designed for new and emerging camp directors, youth program leaders, afterschool coordinators and parks and recreation managers, which puts the emphasis on the same kind of work that supports the county’s summer camp and RECZone offerings.

County Director Tom Cocke said the staff members’ professional growth strengthens the programs and facilities the department offers. County Administrator Dr. Jeremy Raley said the achievements will directly enhance the experiences the county can provide. For residents, that means the certifications are not just résumé additions. They are aimed at making a local market run more smoothly, keeping youth programs better organized and helping public spaces work more reliably week after week.

The market piece matters especially in a county that has already been adjusting to a new model. Goochland and Powhatan counties launched their inaugural jointly operated farmers market season after RVAg founder and executive director Lisa Dearden announced plans to retire in fall 2023, prompting discussions about county takeover of market operations. Miller’s training now lands inside that transition, giving Goochland a manager trained for the demands of a market that has become both a community gathering place and a county service residents can see and use firsthand.