Episode 46 - Wichita Chamber Business Accelerator

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Troy Houtman was always supposed to be an accountant, but he found a passion for growing communities through Parks and Recreation. He shares with Don and Ebony how the Leadership Wichita program challenged him in new ways and gave him a network of support across the city.

Troy Houtman is the City of Wichita Park & Recreation Director and started in November of 2014. Troy brings over 30 years of experience to the job with previous working locations at the City of San Antonio and the City of Austin. His background includes working in many areas of Parks and Recreation to include aquatics, youth and adult sports, golf, park maintenance, CIP projects, and general recreation programming. Specifically, the depth of his experience involves cultivation of partnerships, contract development, park improvements, budget management and employee development. 

Several mentors have had a huge impact on Troy’s management style and desire to become a Parks & Recreation Director. These influences have shaped his vision of public service and passion for delivering quality service to the community to include arts and cultural activities. It is his belief that local government is the most important tool for creating and providing a high quality of life for its citizens. The function of the Park and Recreation Department is to enhance these opportunities and further develop pride in the community. The Park and Recreation Department is the most important department for outreach and cooperation with Wichita residents in order to achieve their vision of what the community should be and what programs should be offered. 

His goals include more exposure for the department, more partnerships, more interaction with the community, more programs offered, upgrades to parks and park amenities. All of these contribute toward the departmental goal of enhancing the quality of life in Wichita.

Troy Houtman

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On this episode we discuss: 

• Why Troy got started in Parks and Recreation
• How the 2016 Leadership Wichita class is the best
• Non-profits helping people falling through the gaps
• Wichita getting a “pickle-plex”
• Adding Cultural Arts to his responsibilities
• The four (4) legs of a great city
• The similarities between Wichita and a kitchen appliance
• The untapped potential of Wichita
• The impact his first boss had on Troy and how he cared for his employees and community

Listen on popular podcast directories and aggregators, including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Stitcher, Pandora, and ICT Podcast Network or using the player above. Send feedback on this show and/or suggestions for future guests or topics by leaving a review on Apple Podcasts or emailing communications@wichitachamber.org.

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Wichita Chamber Business Accelerator is a weekly podcast devoted to supporting and learning from area business owners. Released every Wednesday, it's produced by Forge Podcast Co, managed by the Wichita Regional Chamber of Commerce and sponsored by Evergy. 

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