Erin Pangborn

Dedicated. Community-focused. Positive.

Current Employer & Job Title:

Town of Plattsburgh, Youth Services & Recreation Director

Age: 41

Hometown: Redford, NY

Education: SUNY Plattsburgh

With degrees in both math and nutrition along with a love for the great outdoors, Erin is the perfect fit for her position. She’s here to make sure the community has the opportunities to take advantage of all the natural beauty and attractions the North Country has to offer, from putting in new parks to programs that engage seniors. Her mathematical side loves the analytics of it all — finding what works best and how best to provide enrichment on a budget.

These traits show up every day in my commitment to continuously improve parks and programs for people of all ages and abilities. I bring energy and optimism to every project, whether we are upgrading playgrounds or launching new initiatives, because I believe recreation should positively impact our entire community.

In three words, how would others describe your personal brand—and where do those traits show up most in your work?

Dedicated, community-focused, and positive.

These traits show up every day in my commitment to continuously improve parks and programs for people of all ages and abilities. I bring energy and optimism to every project, whether we are upgrading playgrounds or launching new initiatives, because I believe recreation should positively impact our entire community.

What aspect of your organization’s culture do you protect or promote most fiercely—and how have you influenced it?

I protect and promote community wellness as the foundation of everything we do. I have influenced this by advocating for inclusive park upgrades and expanding programs that serve all ages and abilities. By constantly adding new opportunities and making our spaces more accessible, we are helping improve the physical and mental health of the community.

Where do you invest your time outside of work, and what motivates your commitment to those efforts?

Outside of work, I spend time with my family — including my dogs and cats —and being outdoors through gardening, hiking, disc golf, exercising, and exploring trails. These activities keep me grounded and energized. They remind me why green spaces and community recreation matter — because the best leaders try and live the lifestyle they are building for others.

Who has most influenced your leadership style—and what specific lesson from them still shapes how you lead today?

I have been fortunate to be surrounded by strong leaders throughout my life, so it’s hard to single out just one person. Instead, I have built my leadership style by blending the bestqualities I have seen in others—while always staying true to myself.

This approach has taught me the importance of authenticity, adaptability, and leading with both heart and purpose. It continues to guide me on how I make decisions, build my team, and serve our community every day.

Where are you making your greatest impact right now—in your organization, industry, or community—and how do you measure it?

Right now, the greatest impact is modernizing our parks with inclusive, durable playgrounds and spaces while also expanding high-quality programs for all ages- youth to senior citizens. We introduced nature based and lifetime activities, programs focusing on mental fitness like lending libraries, puzzle library, cookie decorating, birding, picture frames,Storybook Trail, etc....There is something for everyone!Success is measured by tracking participation numbers (which in 2025 saw over 220 programs and over 7000 participants), community feedback, and the many smiles I see in the parks and at programs.

What’s something about you that would surprise people—and what does it reveal about how you think or operate?

Many people are surprised to learn that I studied both mathematics and nutrition.

These two fields may seem like an unusual pairing, but for me they have helped influence everything I do. My mathematics background taught me to approach challenges with logic, plan methodically, analyze data, and find clear, orderly solutions. At the same time, my nutrition studies ignited my passion for helping people live healthier, happier lives.

Together, they give me a unique way of seeing the world: I bring the analytical precision of math to design programs, track what is really working, and make thoughtful decisions — while my love of nutrition inspires me to create parks and activities that genuinely improve physical and mental wellness. This combination helps me build recreation experiences that are not only fun and inclusive, but also deeply supportive of our community’s overall well-being.

What is one lesson your career has taught you that you had to learn the hard way—and how has it changed you?

One of the biggest lessons I have learned is that teamwork is the key to success — you truly cannot do it all alone. Early in my career, I may have tried to carry too much myself. Learning to lean on great collaborators (the incredible current Parks & Recreation team — Jordanne, Richard, Luke, Nick, and Ryder — plus strong partners such as Cornell Cooperative Extension, Clinton County Youth Bureau, City of Plattsburgh, Clinton County Health Department, and Point au Roche, etc.) has made our programs stronger, more sustainable, and far more successful.

What is the biggest professional or personal risk you’ve taken—and would you make the same decision again? Why or why not?

The biggest risk I have taken was stepping into the Youth Services & Recreation Director role and committing to ambitious, multi-year park and playground improvements while creating a full calendar of programs.

Yes, I would absolutely make the same decision again. The risk has paid off through visible improvements across our parks and a renewed sense of energy and pride in Town of Plattsburgh’s Parks and Recreation opportunities.

The North Country’s “Gen IQ” reflects how well we lead, market to, and innovate across generations. Where are we getting it right—and where do we need to evolve?

We’re getting it right with intergenerational programs — families enjoying the same parks, adults and kids sharing spaces, and nature outings that appeal across all ages. We need to evolve by better utilizing digital tools to reach younger families, expanding adaptive recreation options for all abilities, and creating more year-round programming so winter does not feel like downtime.

What’s one idea, belief, or change you hope to see shape the future of leadership in our region?

I hope to see leaders across the region treat Parks and Recreation as essential public infrastructure — not as optional extras, but as critical investments in public health, mental wellness, and community resilience.

My belief is that great Parks & Recreation leadership means creating inclusive spaces and programs where people of all ages and abilities can be active, connected, and happy. It requires blending smart, data-driven decisions with empathy and authenticity — leading by example through the same outdoor, active lifestyle we are encouraging in our communities.

If we can shift our thinking so that every leader views quality parks and programs as a key to creating healthy, happy, and connected communities it would create a stronger place for everyone.