Next Practice Partners is a team committed to building a more inclusive and innovative future for all.
We are not your expert consultants; we are your trusted partners.
We don’t have all the answers; we will have a lot of questions.
We don’t believe in following trends; we want to create them.
We don’t know what the future holds.
We do know that we refuse to settle for the status quo.
Will we fail? Certainly; Will we learn from it? Absolutely!
We believe that life is a journey of learning and continuous improvement.
Others may share Best Practices from the past,
We will partner with you to co-create Next Practices for the future.
A more inclusive and innovative future for all
To help communities prepare for what's next
Inclusion + Innovation + Information = Inspiration
Neelay’s career on five continents includes Disney, The Super Bowl, The Olympics, and years of consulting, public speaking and training. He champions "Ideas Worth Spreading" as the curator for TEDxCollegePark, TEDxIndianapolis and TEDxIndianapolisWomen and his service as a trustee for the National Recreation and Park Association sought to ensure "no child was left indoors."
As the Founder & CEO of Next Practice Partners, he combines inclusion and innovation to help agencies prepare for "what’s next" through planning, training, and technology solutions. Over his 25-year journey, he has developed business and operations plans for Los Angeles County serving 12 million people, trained Olympic Governing bodies, and co-created the world’s largest municipal customer service and leadership training initiative for Chicago Park District’s 3000 employees.
His Master and Strategic planning work with Atlanta, Broward County, Charlotte-Mecklenburg County, Indianapolis, Las Vegas, San Diego, among others have recommended facility development and infrastructure improvements totaling over $2.5 billion, shaping a more equitable and accessible future for all.
As a first-generation immigrant raised by three women and a father who always showed up, he hopes to model the same for his two kids. These life experiences are woven into his keynotes on next practices and trends, the art of storytelling and magical customer service, and have inspired executives, professionals, startups, and students from Charlotte to China and from Switzerland to New Zealand.
Jason has nearly 25 years’ experience in training, development, and management both in the private and public sector. Within his work in the public sector with organizations such as Enterprise Rent-A-Car, and Target; Jason would lead multiple teams and processes; receiving awards and commendations for his work in customer service, operational excellence, data analytics and fiscal growth.
He would finally find his "Why" in his seven plus years at Willamalane Park and Recreation District, where he was a key part of their National Gold Medal winning team and take the lead in their, now, successful CAPRA accreditation process. He championed the District’s workplace culture, with a focus on staff development and a "mission" focused approach to problem solving, goal setting, and personal accountability.
A consultant, a CAPRA accreditation visitor and a passionate Disney fan (ask him about his Tinker Bell story some day) committed to being an ally for those not in the room, he routinely speaks nationally on workplace culture, change management, purpose driven leadership, and the importance of developing an emotional connection to the work we do and the communities we serve.
Ms. White-Lapierre is a Chicago native who grew up at Columbus Park on the city's west side. Her journey into parks and recreation began first as a program participant, then a volunteer and ultimately her first job as a seasonal lifeguard until leaving for college.
Her nearly 20-year career as a practitioner in parks and recreation spans the US with experiences including special districts, municipalities, and nonprofits such as the YMCA and Girl Scouts of America. Ms. White-Lapierre has overseen cultural & fine arts programs, special events, community center operations, resident & day camps, youth & adult sports, afterschool, and teen programs across multiple states.
As an advocate for continuous learning and development, she holds a bachelor's degree in Recreation, Sport, and Tourism, along with master's degrees in Sports Management and Human Resource Management. She is a doctoral student at the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign completing her dissertation work on the internship experiences of former undergraduate parks and recreation students.
Ms. White-Lapierre is a Certified Park and Recreation Executive (CPRE), holds an Aquatic Facility Operator (AFO) certification, has chaired the National Recreation and Park Association's (NRPA) Certification Board and currently serves on the Conference Program Committee.
She regularly presents at the local, state, and national levels, while participating in student development opportunities as a guest speaker and panelist. Her expertise and passion lies in areas of equity and access, workplace culture, customer experience, recreation programming and internships.
Estrella focuses on bringing about stronger communities and relationships with our natural environment through park and recreation planning. She is expected to graduate with her Masters in Community and Regional Planning at the University of Texas at Austin in 2023 and has earned her Bachelors of Arts in Development Studies with a minor in Global Poverty and Practice at UC Berkeley while also spending time in Chile at Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile.
Estrella has experience in public service, organizational leadership, project management, community engagement, and strategic planning. Estrella currently participates in the Austin Pedestrian Advisory Council where she furthers pedestrian safety and opportunities in the city.
Originally from Los Angeles, California, Estrella grew up at the foothills of the Angels Crest National Forest and is passionate about bridging the gap in access to nature and recreation for underserved communities.
When she’s not studying or researching, she is enjoying the beautiful outdoors available at her fingertips in Austin, visiting family or exploring parks in different cities. Estrella enjoys biking, dancing, reading, and hanging out with her nieces and nephews.
Nikolaos completed his MBA in June 2022 and graduated with his Masters in Sport Administration in May 2023 from Ohio University’s globally renowned program. His 5+ years in international sport development, fitness operations, team leadership, and community development projects took him through Europe, Africa, and the Americas. These global experiences helped him approach clients and communities with increased empathy and cultural sensitivity.
He is passionate about promoting physical activity in kids and during his role as a sport development officer in Port Elizabeth, South Africa he worked with over 150 stakeholders and helped enroll hundreds of kids in sport foundation programs. He also spent 3 years in London, UK leading projects targeting physical inactivity to promote a long-term physically literate environment in partnership with other leading sports organizations. In addition, he also assisted the Welsh National Team in athletic sponsorship and development to help bring in additional earned income.
Spending time with family is a priority which often takes him back home to Greece. In his time off, he enjoys playing soccer and basketball but he never says no to participating in new sports.
Sarah Sawhney is a Computer Engineering student at Purdue University, specializing in Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning, while also pursuing a Certificate in Collaborative Leadership and a Minor in Astronomy. Her academic journey reflects a passion for cutting-edge technology and a strong commitment to fostering teamwork and leadership.
Driven by curiosity, Sarah has explored practical applications of technology, delving into machine learning, data modeling, and autonomous systems. Her projects range from designing intelligent models to creating autonomous solutions for drones and race cars, always with a focus on real-world impact. She has also gained valuable experience in market research and data analytics, using tools like Power BI and Confluence to generate insights and drive business solutions. This blend of theory and hands-on experience allows her to approach challenges from multiple angles with creativity and precision.
Throughout various projects, Sarah has developed a reputation for being a collaborative and forward-thinking problem-solver. She thrives in environments where teamwork is essential, believing that the best solutions emerge when diverse perspectives come together. Whether leading or contributing, she emphasizes open communication and shared ownership of ideas to ensure the success of any project she's part of.
Outside of her academic pursuits, Sarah enjoys unwinding by spending time outdoors, whether stargazing or following Formula 1 racing. She is also an avid reader and enjoys watching shows and movies with her friends and family. She looks forward to applying her knowledge and skills to exciting new challenges, always eager to contribute meaningfully to projects that push the boundaries of what's possible.
Suzanne Wolf is a seasoned leader with over 20 years of experience in parks and recreation, spanning public, private, and non-profit sectors. Known for her collaborative and results-driven leadership, she fosters positive work environments and builds strong relationships with diverse stakeholders, including elected officials, labor associations, and community groups. Suzanne excels in strategic solutions across parks services, team development, financial sustainability, and community engagement, helping communities prepare for the future through innovation and inclusion.
As Fremont's Community Services Director, Suzanne led a team managing over 1,200 acres of parks and open spaces, recreation for 15,000 households annually, and comprehensive environmental programs. She oversaw a $45M operating budget and $40M capital projects, including the creation of Fremont's Parks Master Plan and its first Urban Forest Management Plan. Suzanne's initiatives, including opening a new downtown event center, and expanding and opening new parks, reflect her commitment to sustainable community development and visionary leadership.
Previously, as Deputy Director in San Jose, Suzanne managed a $23M budget, 180 staff, and 54 community centers, coordinating services with over 100 organizations, including the Mayor's Gang Prevention Task Force. She spearheaded key plans like the Greenprint and Aquatics Master Plan, boosting departmental revenue and securing national recognition for sustainable park and zoo operations. Suzanne has spoken at national and international conferences, holding advanced degrees from UC Berkeley and the University of Washington, along with her CPRE certification and completing a one year coursework with the Bloomberg Harvard City Leadership Initiative.
And although she never quite made it as a Roller Derby Lead Jammer from her elementary school day dreams, she still believes in the health of the outdoors, the strength of the community, and the magic of the adventures ahead.
Dale has a distinguished career within the public, nonprofit, and private sectors, augmented by volunteer service within local, domestic, and international contexts.
For Syracuse (NY) School District, he served as its citywide Aquatic Director. His major event management experience incuded serving as Venue Manager for the aquatic disciplines under the direction of the United States Olympic Committee for the National Sports Festival.
For Indiana University, he served as Assistant Athletic Director and Director of three world-class facilities on its Indianapolis campus: the IU Natatorium, the IU Track & Field Stadium, and the Indianapolis Tennis Center. Each staged major competitions under his direction, including as Commissioner of Aquatics for the Pan American Games; organizing committee leadership for multiple U.S. Olympic Trials in swimming, diving, and track & field; and, venue director for the annual U.S. Clay Court Championships and multiple NCAA Swimage.pngimming & Diving Championships.
As President of Indiana Sports Corporation, he oversaw more than 200 sports events with more than $2 billion of economic impact, and he led the successful effort to relocate the NCAA and the National Federation of High School Associations to Indianapolis, raising $50 million in public and philanthropic support and guaranteeing NCAA Basketball Final Fours to the city through 2037.
As Senior Consultant for TSE Consulting - later acquired by international advertising and communications services company WPP and branded as Burson Cohn & Wolfe (BCW) Sport Practice - Mr. Neuburger had multiple clients who sought to attract impactful sports events. In many cases, this effort involved facility development or repurposing, as well as business planning for multiple-use sports venues.
Mr. Neuburger's volunteer service includes President of USA Swimming and United States Aquatic Sports, as well as Chairman of the Board of the International Swimming Hall of Fame. For World Aquatics and the International Olympic Committee, he has been Swimming Technical Delegate/Competition Director for five Olympic Games and eleven World Championships. He currently serves as World Aquatics Treasurer to elected term completion in 2027 and was inducted in the International Swimming Hall of Fame in 2024.
He is an alumnus of Princeton University for his undergraduate degree with master degrees from Canisius College and Indiana University (Philanthropic Studies and Public Affairs).
John Bisignano is a sports executive leader with 40+ years in the sports tourism development / sales industry, which includes 31 years with the Walt Disney World Resort spanning a wide variety range of venues and experiences ranging from hospitality to event operations and new business development including being part of the opening cast for the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex.
As the former President & CEO of the Central Florida Sports Commission, John was responsible for enhancing national and international sports tourism and generating economic impact through world class sporting events in the Central Florida Region spanning the City of Orlando, Lake County Osceola County and Seminole County. His impact over the years set the groundwork for Orlando being named the #1 Sports Events Destination by the Sports Business Journal in 2024.
He is a leading expert in sports tourism and has routinely spoken to and trained parks and recreation agencies ranging from Chicago Park District, IL to Windsor, CO and Walnut Creek, CA and helps agencies and their staff understand the importance of delivering magical guest experiences.
Kiaan has explored parks, playgrounds and zoos on every continent besides Antarctica from tennis courts in Australia to beaches in Brazil and from neighborhood parks in Germany to night Safaris in Zambia.
He passionately represents the voice of the park user and can be counted upon to challenge the status quo and ask “Why” in the most insightful of ways. He has successfully advocated for outdoor adventure elements for Bear Creek Park in Carmel, IN, tested ziplines on site tours and attended public meetings in Lisle Park District, IL and explored historic parks in Carlsbad, California. He has helped assess customer service delivery at 3 FIFA World Cups, a Cricket World, the NBA-All Star, Olympic Swimming Trials and The Olympics itself.
When he’s not winning Spell Bowls or Math Bowls or learning a new language, he’s likely reading the entire Harry Potter series for the 7th time or cheering on the Indiana Pacers, Colts or the Indian cricket team.
Anika is our Hugger-in-Chief. At 6 going on 26, the only thing bigger than her personality is her heart. In her words “I love everyone, even people I haven’t met yet”. She will regularly make an appearance on a Zoom / Teams meeting to cheer everyone up (or ask her father for a snack).
She can be counted on to inspect (and re-inspect) slides and swings at various parks in Indiana or across the country. An outdoor adventure enthusiast, she climbed every step of the Eiffel Tower before she was 2, explored Zion National Park before she was 3, hiked Diamond Head State Monument, Hawaii before turning 4 and trekked Cape Point at the Cape of Good Hope, South Africa before her 5th birthday, and traversed through the rainforests in Honduras before her 6th birthday.
Inspired in equal parts by Moana, Frozen, Katie Ledecky and Simone Biles she endeavors to inspire self-belief in everyone and when dressed as Elsa, if she is addressed as a princess, will gently smile and remind people that she is a Queen.
