There are dozens of reasons for my nominating Mike Robertson, Manager of Tims Ford State Park, but I will stick to those that fit into our mission statements.   In his many years as a park ranger/manager, Mike has accomplished much that falls into our vision/mission statements.  As a manager, Mike has worked in the past to increase the availability of recycling options at Tims Ford, allowing the park to do away with 4 of their 6 dumpsters—preserving and protecting our resources and providing a useful tool for our guests. To his rangers, he is a fair but firm manager, allowing each to expand their horizons with off park training.  The rangers at Mike’s park work with the TPRA, some have EMT experience, work with the regional fire teams and some are even horse-mounted.  Their knowledge and diversity in backgrounds provide a variety of services that other parks may not, all due to the options allowed to them by their manager.  If this does not fit into parks mission statement of “providing a variety of safe, quality outdoor experiences through a professionally managed system ” then I don’t know what does. 

    Outside his duties as manager, Mike also has involved himself in the State Parks Honor Guard, a service sorely needed by our officers.  He has become a key member in the Guard by aiding in scheduling meetings and training opportunities, pushing those members to always remain ready for any need in any circumstance.  His position of TPRA Chairperson speaks for itself.  Mike has worked hard on accomplishing the goals of TPRA as well as spent significant time in Nashville lobbying for those bills that will make the future of state employment for rangers even brighter.  The hard work of Mike and the other TPRA members has already seen some wonderful changes this year alone.

   Mike Robertson’s dedication to State Parks and his fellow rangers can be easily seen in his work on his park as well as off his park.  He is an asset to our ranks, and more than deserves this recognition.