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| Laura Mortier |
Mortier has now joined the ranks of just over a dozen other parks and recreation professionals in the United States who have also received this same distinguished NRPA award. The Robert W. Crawford Young Professional Award recognizes the vision and dedication of individuals who have tirelessly worked to improve the quality of life in America through parks and recreation and who will serve as examples for future leaders in continuing the recreation and park movement into the 21st century, according to a prepared statement.
“To say that Laura's dedication to the parks and recreation profession is exemplary, would be putting it mildly,” said Jon LaFever, Canton community development director. “She is a consummate professional who lives and breathes the benefits of parks and recreation. Laura is quick to show initiative and is passionate about helping others. She has been a driving force in the development of numerous creative and advocacy programs that have all gone on to be highly successful. Her creative, hands-on approach and great leadership have earned her many accolades in our community, as well as across the state of Michigan. She truly epitomizes what a parks and recreation professional exemplifies and is so deserving of this national recognition.”
The 2023 Robert W. Crawford Young Professional Award will be presented to Mortier during the NRPA Annual Conference in Dallas this fall.
Mortier has previously been honored as a new professional in the parks and recreation industry in the state of Michigan. In 2019 Mortier received the Michigan Recreation and Park Association (mParks) New Professional award for exhibiting outstanding service and dedication to Canton Leisure Services, as well as to the mParks organization. In addition, Mortier has also served on the mParks Board as a director at large.
Since the age of 17, Mortier has worked for Canton Leisure Services, starting out as a junior day camp counselor to advance to a top leadership position as Recreation Supervisor. Mortier currently oversees the operations and programming of The B.L.O.C.K. Youth and Teen Center for area youth ages 11-17, Canton Therapeutic Recreation programming, enrichment classes, and summer camps, in addition to special events. During her tenure, she has also launched Lead #LikeAGirl and Be a #ModelMan, two award-winning leadership programs for youth that remain in high demand at The B.L.O.C.K. Youth & Teen Center which receive continuous recognition for their success and innovation.
During the past few years, Mortier has also deeply been involved in serving on several mParks committees where she has leveraged her commitment to the mParks board and her passion for the parks and recreation field by contributing to the advancement of mParks' initiatives for growing diversity and youth development, according to a prepared press release.
Within the Canton community, Mortier also holds a seat on a local charter school board, while also serving on the Canton Cares Committee, and the Canton Commission for Culture, Arts, and Heritage. In addition, she is an active leader in her church on the Peace and Justice Committee, as well as a member of “Chicks for Charity,” a local women's charity. Mortier is also a Certified Park and Recreation Professional (CPRP), which is administered by the National Certification Board and the National Recreation and Park Association. This CPRP certification is granted to individuals employed in the recreation, park resources, and leisure services professions who meet the eligibility requirements. Mortier, her husband Matt, and their daughter Matilda currently reside in Canton.
