Kayla Abernathy

Photo by MIDHUN BS on Pexels

Welcome!

Kayla Abernathy is a dedicated professional with a passion for community impact through service, relationship building, and purposeful leadership. Known for her energy, attention to detail, and organizational skills, she excels at managing projects from idea to execution—collaborating across teams, meeting deadlines, staying within budget, and engaging key stakeholders every step of the way.

A firm believer that purpose is rooted in passion, Kayla is committed to serving others and fostering meaningful, lasting connections within her community and professional networks. Her love for the outdoors inspires much of her work, driving her to create inclusive, engaging experiences that connect people to nature and each other.

Professional Experience


Outdoors Operations Manager 

Blue Star Families

  • Lead operational strategy and logistics for a national outdoor recreation program serving military families.
  • Oversee a $4.5M federally funded budget, manage consultant teams, and ensure alignment with program goals and federal compliance.
  • Developed standardized planning systems, budgeting tools, and registration workflows to improve efficiency and impact.

    • Program Manager 

    Stand Beside Them, Inc. 

  • Directed veteran-focused programming with an emphasis on coaching, reintegration, and community connection.
  • Strengthened nonprofit operations through partnerships, strategic planning, and program evaluation.


    • Program Coordinator 

    City of Savannah 

  • Designed and implemented public programming aimed at youth engagement and community wellness.
  • Collaborated with city departments to deliver inclusive, high-impact recreational initiatives.

    • Recreation Programmer and Interim Recreation Manager 

    City of Clarksville 

  • Supervised daily operations of community recreation centers and managed staff during transitional leadership.
  • Created and executed programming for all age groups, focusing on accessibility and community needs.


    • Undergraduate Fitness & Programming Supervisor 

    Austin Peay State University 

  • Oversaw campus recreation programs, coordinated fitness classes and special events.
  • Trained and led student staff, while managing equipment, safety protocols, and event logistics.

    • Education 

    Austin Peay State University

    M.A. in Communications, Concentration in Marketing

    B.S. in Health and Human Performance, Concentration in Human Movement, Minor in Leadership              

    #GoGovs! 

    Leadership & Team Management Experience

    Kayla currently serves as the Operations Manager for the Blue Star Families Outdoors Program, where she oversees the day-to-day operations of a $4.5 million federally funded initiative serving military families nationwide. In this role, she leads a team of 10 independent consultants across the country—providing operational support, ensuring policy compliance, and streamlining communication and workflows to maximize program impact. Her leadership ensures that over 200 annual outdoor events run efficiently and align with strategic goals.

    Kayla began cultivating her leadership and team management skills as an Undergraduate Fitness & Program Assistant at Austin Peay State University’s Foy Fitness and Recreation Center. There, she supervised and trained a team of 10 undergraduate fitness attendants—managing schedules, leading staff hiring and evaluations, and facilitating monthly meetings to maintain a high-performing team.

    She further advanced her supervisory experience with the City of Clarksville’s Parks & Recreation Department, where she served as both a Recreation Programmer and Interim Recreation Center Manager. In this capacity, she managed 10–15 part-time staff for the Mayor’s Summer Night Lights program and oversaw daily operations and staff at the Crow Recreation Center.

    In addition to managing employees, Kayla has successfully recruited, trained, and led volunteers to support the execution of community programs she developed and implemented. Her strength lies in building high-functioning teams and creating systems that empower staff and volunteers to thrive.

    “If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, you are a leader."

    John Quincy Adams