Agency Showcase: Preparing to Shine Sessions

1:00 p.m. CST

Location

Speakers

• Kelsi Stephenson - Kelsi Stephenson is the Superintendent of Marketing and Communications for the Wheeling Park District, where she leads the agency's strategic communications, branding, and community engagement efforts. She is passionate about using authentic storytelling to connect residents with their parks, programs, and the people behind them, creating meaningful experiences that strengthen community relationships. As a member of the Wheeling Park District marketing team, she helped develop the award-winning pieces that were recognized with First Overall in the 2025 IPRA Agency Showcase. Kelsi has also co-presented at statewide conferences on topics including web accessibility, inclusive marketing, and communications, sharing practical strategies that help park and recreation agencies better engage their communities. She likes helping other professionals share their work in a way that connects with people and highlights the importance of parks and recreation.
• Kelly Melius - Kelly Melius is the Marketing Manager at the Wheeling Park District, where she leads program marketing initiatives and develops strategic digital and print marketing campaigns. She is passionate about creating effective marketing strategies that drive participation and connect residents with the wide variety of programs and services the Park District offers. Kelly has participated in the IPRA Agency Showcase with the Wheeling Park District marketing team for the past four years, helping earn the 2025 Overall Agency Showcase Award. She recently joined the IPRA Agency Showcase Committee, where she looks forward to sharing her experience and supporting agencies as they prepare their showcase entries.