Travis Tanberger has been with Brownsburg Parks for almost eight years, most recently being appointed Parks and Recreation Director last September. Before joining Brownsburg, he worked for Indy Parks and Recreation managing one of the system’s largest community parks. He is a graduate of Ball State University with a degree in Sports and Business Management. He has also served on the Board of Directors in various capacities for the Indiana Parks and Recreation Association. Travis and his wife Keisha live in Brownsburg with their five-year-old daughter, Kendyl, currently a Kindergartener.
What do you consider your greatest virtue? Probably my patience. I’ve definitely grown into this, though, as my parents would say, this was not the case when I was a kid.
What do you most deplore in others? When someone lets their personal agenda blind them from what is really a true need.
What do you like most about living in Hendricks County? I grew up not too far from Brownsburg. It is the right pace of life for me and my family. It is not hard to find somewhere to get involved and to be a part of positive change. There is a lot of it happening in this area these days.
If you had to live somewhere besides Hendricks County, where would it be? Somewhere in Colorado.
If money were no issue, how would you spend it? I would make sure my family was set up for the rest of their lives and then I would probably invest in a huge piece of land for family and friends to enjoy for recreation purposes.
What makes you happiest? Accomplishing a major goal that benefits not only myself but others as well.
What is your favorite vacation spot? Anywhere close to mountains and fresh air.
What do you do with idle time? There isn’t much of this to go around but I try to read, do some golfing, mountain biking or running and spend quality time with family and our puppy.
What is it that makes you angry? Seeing some people overreact to or exaggerate a situation before even considering any of the facts or another perspective.
What do you do to escape from reality? Exercise definitely helps clear my mind.
What or who is the greatest love of your life? My wife, Keisha. She is the outgoing one between the two of us and is extremely patient, loving and caring toward myself and our five-year-old daughter. She is also not afraid to keep me in check when needed!
Which living person in Hendricks County do you most admire? My past supervisor and former Brownsburg Parks Director, Philip Parnin. He gave me the opportunity to thrive in Brownsburg by making it a point to immediately become my mentor which in turn has led to a great friendship.
What is your greatest extravagance? Either my mountain bike or NFL Sunday Ticket. I have to make time to watch the Broncos each Sunday (and yes, I was a fan long before Peyton got to Denver).
What are your fears, phobias? I have a little bit of fear of the unknown, which is probably where my desire to keep learning comes from.
What has been the happiest time of your life? That would be the present. I am very blessed with the family and friends I can rely on and to have a career that is both challenging and rewarding.
Which talent would you most like to possess? I’ve tried to hone my carpentry skills over the last several years with some do-it-yourself projects. I still have a lot to learn though.
What do you most value in your friends? I’ve known a few of my friends for a long time and when we get together it doesn’t matter what challenges I have going on at the time. We don’t have to be doing much but we do make it a point to just have fun and not worry so much about real life issues.
Which historical figure do you most identify with? I enjoy reading about what John Wooden did as a coach and leader for so many years. His sound principles and techniques not only apply to basketball but make so much sense to use for business and life in general. To me there is no better example of a well-rounded leader to strive to be like than someone who is successful through building their team up through positivity, maintaining composure in even the most difficult situations and their willingness to constantly adapt to changes and trends.
What is your greatest regret? I am definitely not perfect but I can say I don’t have any major regrets.
What tenet do you live by? “Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven.” – Luke 6:37