Yvonne Taylor

Dr. Yvonne L. Taylor, Ed.D., is an accomplished aquatics and recreation leader, educator, and entrepreneur with more than 35 years of experience spanning municipal government, higher education, athletics, hospitality, risk management, and community recreation. She currently serves as Recreation/Aquatics Supervisor for the City of Mesa Parks, Recreation and Community Facilities Department, where she provides leadership for a nine-facility aquatic system, more than 400 employees, a multimillion-dollar operating budget, and a broad range of aquatics programs, events, and community initiatives. Throughout her career, Taylor has been committed to creating inclusive environments where people of all backgrounds, abilities, and experiences can participate, lead, and succeed. Her leadership experience includes developing diverse teams, expanding community access to recreation and aquatics, implementing organizational improvements, and managing large-scale aquatic programs and events. She has held leadership positions with the City of Dublin, UC Merced, College of San Mateo, the University of Maryland, and Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center. Taylor earned her Doctor of Education in Higher Education Leadership, with doctoral research focused on the unintended consequences of Title IX and women in sports leadership. She has also served as a university instructor in sports administration and brings a unique perspective that connects education, athletics, aquatics, organizational culture, and leadership. In addition to her municipal leadership role, Taylor is the founder and owner of Taylored Sports & Safety, LLC, a company focused on sports training, safety, Lifeguard, CPR/AED/FA, and emergency-response training. Through her professional and entrepreneurial work, she continues to advocate for stronger leadership, safer aquatic environments, and more inclusive opportunities throughout the sports and aquatics industry. Taylor is passionate about helping aquatics professionals move beyond simply talking about diversity, equity, and inclusion and toward practical strategies that strengthen organizational culture, improve staff and participant experiences, and ensure that aquatics truly serve the entire community.