If you are looking for someone who truly lives and breathes the spirit of parks and recreation, look no further than Jacob Wentink. As the Assistant Director for Iredell County Parks & Recreation, Jacob brings a powerful blend of academic achievement, community-focused leadership, and a lifelong passion for the great outdoors to his role every day.

Rooted in the Outdoors

Jacob’s journey into the field started early, shaped by his upbringing on a farm and his time in the Boy Scouts. "My dream became finding a career that paid to be out in creation... anything to be outdoors!" Jacob shares.

That dream turned into a rewarding reality. Over the past decade—spanning seasonal roles, impactful internships, and his last two years in his current leadership position—Jacob has dedicated himself to the profession. He holds a Master of Parks, Recreation, Tourism, and Sports Management (M-PRTSM) from NC State University and is a Certified Park and Recreation Executive (CPRE).

Today, Jacob is tasked with the vital and challenging role of overseeing Iredell County’s Programming and Recreation Center divisions, strategically placing programs and services to meet the needs of a rapidly growing community.

A Heart for Collaboration and Service

Daniel Leatherman , Director of Iredell County Parks & Recreation, highlights him as someone who is exceptionally well-connected and deeply committed to the success of the entire state network. Having previously worked for Cabarrus County, Jacob continues to build bridges. In Iredell County, he works closely with three separate municipalities, serves on the county's Juvenile Crime Prevention Committee, and actively leverages partnerships with other county departments, like public health and local libraries, to ensure the community is seamlessly served.

His dedication to the profession shines through his extensive involvement with NCRPA. Jacob currently serves on the Professional Development Committee and the Supervisors Advisory Group, and he is a mainstay on the weekly Senior Management peer calls.

"The knowledge shared in each of these groups has greatly enhanced my professional network and know-how," Jacob says, "and has given me an outlet to give back to the profession in small ways."

Jacob doesn't just manage parks; he thrives in them. During his off-time, you can easily find him practicing exactly what he preaches—whether he is fishing, camping deep in the woods, or simply enjoying a local park near his home.

In Jacob's Words...

When asked what advice he would give to those rising up in the field, Jacob emphasizes the immense value of early, hands-on experience: "The best thing about internships and part-time experience is that they tell you just as much about what you DON'T want to do for a living, as much as what you DO want to do for a living. Dive in, get your feet wet, and find out what it's all about beneath the surface. This is a surefire way to make educated decisions early on in a career about your next moves."

Thank you, Jacob, for your outstanding leadership, collaborative spirit, and unwavering dedication to the NCRPA community! 

Nominated not once, but twice by his peers, Mel is celebrated as a steady, humble force, a dedicated mentor, and the absolute embodiment of the Parks & Recreation spirit.

A Forty-Year Legacy of Service

Mel’s journey in Parks & Recreation is a beautiful full-circle story. As a youth, he played recreation sports and spent countless hours at the Glenwood Recreation Center under the mentorship of Wayne Butler. That early spark turned into a legendary 40-year career with Greensboro Parks & Recreation.

An alumnus of Elon College (B.S. in Sports Management, '85) and the Carolina Evangelical Divinity School (M.A. in Theological Studies, '05), Mel has dedicated his life to community betterment. He spent over two decades managing the Warnersville Recreation Center (1987–2013) and has spent the last 13 years in his current role as Administrative Facilities Coordinator. Today, he oversees four recreation centers, manages contract agreements, handles financial audits, coordinates the summer playground program, and assists with youth basketball.

Throughout his four decades of service, Mel has been a mainstay at NCRPA conferences and training sessions, constantly sharpening his skills to better serve his community.

What His Colleagues Say

Mel’s double nomination speaks volumes about his impact on the Greensboro team. His colleagues describe him as a professional, highly efficient, and deeply approachable leader who brings both sharp wit and genuine care to the workplace.

"Melvin Melton is always behind the scenes making sure everything is in place and ready to proceed. Mel is the first person in the office and the last to leave. He will do whatever needs to be done so that the centers and parks under his watch are ready for the day's assignments... I remember when the Playground program was shorthanded and Mel stepped up to deliver lunches, man the park, or whatever was needed for that week. He is very hands-on."
— Melvinia D. Robinson

"Mel has devoted 38 years [of his 40-year career] to Greensboro, serving as a steady, humble force behind countless community programs... He goes above and beyond through his leadership in organizing ENERGY at the Park, streamlining contracts, and being a reliable source of institutional knowledge. Known for his sharp wit and early starts, Mel brings energy and care to everything he does. A quiet figure with a loud career, Mel's impact will be felt for generations to come."
— Shannon Teamer

In Mel's Words...

When asked what advice he would give to someone new to the Parks and Recreation profession, Mel shared a philosophy that perfectly encapsulates his forty years of selfless dedication:

"The advice I would share is that you have to love what you do and love impacting those participants’ lives that you come in contact with. Whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant."

Thank you, Mel, for 40 years of dedication, heart, and exceptional service to your community and to the profession!