Hyland Hills News

Getting to Know Jenn Flaum A Question and Answer Session with the Newest Hyland Hills Park and Recreation Board of Directors Member

Question:

Can you introduce yourself to our residents?

What is your professional background?

Tell us how you first got involved in with Hyland Hills Park & Recreation District?

Answer:

My name is Jenn Flaum, I was born and raised in Arvada, Colorado. I currently reside in Westminster with my husband and two daughters, ages 18 months and 3 years.

I have an undergraduate degree in Social Work from Colorado State University. I earned a Masters Degree in Social Work from Kansas University and went on to earn a Masters Degree in Business Administration from Regis University. Early in my career I worked primarily with children and parents to create a safe and fostering home environment. After returning to Colorado I decided to pursue a career in endof-life care as a hospice social worker and administrator.

Hyland Hills facilities. I have fond memories of putt-putting at Adventure Golf, my first round of golf was at the Greg Mastriona Par 3 Course and I spent many summer days at Water World trying to overcome my fear of heights and slides. I have always been committed to serving and contributing to the community that I live in. When I returned to the Westminster/Arvada area 5 years ago I reconnected with the Hyland Hills community. It was apparent that the organization was committed to serving the Hyland Hills residents by providing numerous recreational opportunities and services to the youth and residents of our community. I knew then that this is an organization that I wanted to be a part of for years to come.

Tell us about someone who influenced your decision to run for a Board of Directors seat?

I first had the opportunity to volunteer and contribute to the Hyland Hills community as a volunteer at Hyland Hills Foundation events and fundraisers, like Putts For a Purpose and the Annual Golf Tournament. My husband and father-inlaw served on the foundation board and would regularly discuss the importance and role of the Board of Directors.

Over several years I was able to build a relationship with individuals who were serving on the board and many employees of Hyland Hills. When a board seat opened I was honored that I would have the opportunity to be more involved in such a great organization.

Question

How did you feel once you received word you had been elected by our residents to represent the district on our board?

What are your beliefs and philosophy when it comes to Hyland Hills as a park and recreation district?

What do you hope to bring to the Hyland Hills Park & Recreation District BOD during your term?

What do you do when you aren’t working or participating as a board member?

What is your favorite Hyland Hills Park and Recreation facility?

Anything else you would like to say to our residents? FALL 2020

303-428-7488 Answer

One of the most enjoyable parts of this experience was campaigning for the board and learning about the local political process. Sonya, my oldest daughter, would go out and talk to community members with me as we asked to put signs in yards. I was able to drop off my ballot with my daughters and talk to them about the voting process and the importance of community service. It is my hope that they (or at least my 3 year old) remembers learning about the importance of voting by voting for her mom.

When I was elected to the Board I was humbled and honored that voters would have confidence in me to represent them as a Hyland Hills Board member. This election came at a very difficult and challenging time in our community due to the challenges related to COVID 19. The broad impact of this pandemic and the financial implications will likely be with us for years to come. I was honored that the Hyland Hills community believed that I was the right candidate to lead this organization through current and future challenges.

I believe that to effectively and responsibly lead we must remain humble and curious while never losing sight of the commitment that we made to serve our community. It is essential that we approach our work with transparency, community feedback, and constant commitment to serve our community. As I continue to learn more and more about the Hyland Hills district I am committed to working toward solutions and growth that will positively impact all of the residents in our community.

The Hyland Hills Board has done a great job in recent years and has a Master Plan that will positively impact so many areas of our community. I hope that I can offer balance, strategy and a new perspective as we move forward.

When I’m not working or participating as a board member we spend most of our time entertaining our two young girls. We love to spend time outdoor, traveling and with family and friends.

Most recently our favorite Hyland Hills facility is the Clear Creek Valley Park. The kids have loved the playground and all the different areas of the park and I’m excited to see that area grow and thrive.

I am so grateful to represent the residents of Hyland Hills on the Board and am always open to feedback and information. It is important, to me, that tax dollars are spent in a way that is meaningful for the people in the community. My hope is that we will make decisions for the greatest good and have some fun along the way.