Erica Goode, Supervisor of Programs & Camps, City of Charlottesville
Where were you born (and raised, if different)?
I was born and raised in Charlottesville.
When and why did you move to the Charlottesville/Albemarle area?
I left Charlottesville to attend JMU and had no intentions of ever moving back. In 2004 I landed my first “real job” and am lucky to be here for almost 10 years!
What neighborhood do you live in now?
I currently live in Scottsville and am minutes from the James River.
Family (spouse, kids, etc.)?
I am married and have 2 children, Blake (2yrs) and Brody (4mo)
What is your alma mater and when did you graduate?
I attended James Madison University and graduated in 2003 with a B.S. in Recreation Management and minor in Kinesiology.
What were you doing before you came to work for the city?
I interned in Lewisville, Texas and worked in the Recreation Department at Massanutten Resort.
Your job title is Supervisor of Programs & Camps – what, in your own words, would you say you do?
I oversee all classes and programs for the community; art, dance, gymnastics, group exercise, cooking, playgroups etc. We offer over 800 programs and server over 5,000 people annually. I also run our summer camp program, which serves 650 children in PreK-10th grades in 6 different locations, for 9 weeks during the summer.
What is the best part of your job? The most difficult part?
The best part of my job is being able to serve the community and see the smiles coming from children, parents and my staff. Summer camp is my favorite time of year; it is crazy, but very fun and rewarding. The most difficult part of my job is not being able to serve everyone.
How does your job most directly impact the average person?
I hope that the camps, programs and activities that we offer help provide a higher quality of life for the citizens.
What is the most interesting project or work experience that you’ve had while with the city?
I think the most interesting project that I have worked on was the renovation of Carver Recreation/Jefferson School City Center.
What is a little-known fact about you?
I grew up in Charlottesville Parks and Rec, participating in many programs and swam on the swim team. I actually started working for the City when I was 14 years old as a swim instructor aid, then became a lifeguard, head guard, manager, swim instructor and swim coach!
What do you do outside of work hours – hobbies, etc.?
I love to play and watch sports; canoe, golf, garden, music and spending time with my family.
