Our Team

  • President: Susan Staats, Park Administrator, Delaware State Parks

    Born and raised in Claymont, Susan Staats (pictured above left) has a B.S. in Parks and Recreation Administration from the University of Delaware and has made a career out of Delaware’s outdoor spaces. She has enjoyed a 22 year career with Delaware State Parks; working in park management, stewardship, maintenance and operations, and on statewide programs and initiatives. She is currently the Northern Parks Regional Administrator, overseeing the operation of five park management units.

    Susan has been actively involved with the Delaware Recreation and Parks Society for over 15 years and has served on the executive board as an At-Large Member, Treasurer and as President in 2012. She has particularly enjoyed working as a member of the annual DRPS Conference Committee and values the opportunities the conference provides to connect with parks and recreation professionals and service providers throughout the state who share common interests and goals.

  • President-Elect: Pat Thompson, Park Superintendent, Delaware State Parks

    Pat has a degree in Recreation and Leisure Service Management from East Stroudsburg University. He will have 19 years of service with DE State Parks this year and has been involved with DRPS for at least 15 years. Pat is currently Park Superintendent at Alapocas Run and Wilmington State Parks, having served in that role for 3 years prior at Auburn Valley State Park.

  • Past President: Heather Mergenthaler, Community Services Coordinator, New Castle County

    For 14 years Heather (pictured above right) has worked as a community service coordinator for New Castle County Government During her first 10 years she worked in the Sports office and was responsible for developing, implementing, and overseeing youth camps, afterschool and adaptive programs. She then transitioned to new locations at the Hockessin and Appoquinimink Community Recreation Centers, where she oversees these recreation centers and implements programs for active adults and the 55+ population.

  • Secretary: Carol K. Dougherty, Community Services Coordinator, New Castle County

    Carol has been a Community Services Coordinator with New Castle County since 2003. She has worked with Sports and Athletics, Recreation Centers, the Absalom Jones Senior Center, the Art Studio, and the Safety Town program. She has assisted with planning for special events such as the Hockessin Art and Book Fair, and Anime Day at the Art Studio. Previously, she was a museum educator at Rockwood Museum and the South Carolina State Museum. She has served on the DRPS board as President and Past President.

  • Treasurer: Jackie Kook, Assistant Superintendent, Delaware State Parks

    Jackie began working with Delaware State Parks as a Delaware Conservation Corps member in 1994 and 1995, turning that experience into a two-year stint as a Historical Interpreter at Fort Delaware State Park prior to leaving for college. After teaching agricultural sciences for more than 16 years in Delaware public schools, Jackie returned to Parks as a Manager of Volunteers and Interns, Administrative Specialist, and now Assistant Park Superintendent with Alapocas Run and Wilmington State Parks. She has served as the Treasurer for multiple non-profit organizations over the past 20 years, has been a mentor with the University of Delaware’s Career Mentoring Program for the past 3 years, and has been a foster kitten caregiver with Faithful Friends Animal Society for 4 years. Due to her experience with the position and her enjoyment of working with a dynamic, high-functioning team, Jackie was excited to step into the role of Treasurer with DRPS last year.

  • At-Large: Nichole Torrence, Program Administrator, City of Wilmington

  • At-Large: Michael Hitch, Park Superintendent, Delaware State Parks

    I started with Delaware State Parks in 2013 as a Seasonal Park Ranger at Trap Pond State Park. Moved into the Assistant Superintendent role in 2015 at Trap Pond. In 2017 I was transferred to Lums Pond State Park for a few months before being hired on Full-Time as the Park Superintendent of Fort Delaware State Park. In 2019, I transferred to Killens Pond State Park where I currently work. I have enjoyed my time with Delaware State Parks and have been attending the DRPS meetings for the last handful of years. I look to make a lasting impact on the Parks and Recreation Field.

  • At-Large: Sherwanda Rachal-Speaks, Recreation Specialist, City of Dover

    I am a native of Alexandria, Louisiana. I am a Delawarean transplant, I’m married and I have one daughter who is a senior at Goldey Beacom College, she plays soccer and basketball. I’ve been employed with the City of Dover for 26 years. I serve on various boards and committees for civic and social organizations. I enjoy working with youth and families where I can make a difference in their lives. I love the outdoors, cooking and spending time with family.