Board and Staff

NRC Board Members

Mallorie Coffman - Chairman
Timothy Marlar
Rick Golubski
Bradley Cook
Nicholas Navrat

NRC Administrative Staff

Brian Bascue – Superintendent bbascue@newtonrec.or g

Brian has over 40 years of experience in the recreation profession, including serving as superintendent of the Newton Recreation Commission since 2001. His career includes stops in communities such as Garden City, Derby and Holcomb. A graduate of Kansas State University.

Brian is married, has one son, and 3 grandchildren. He enjoys staying active while traveling and enjoy attending and watching sporting events especially those events that include his family.

Bart Peace – Assistant Superintendent/Aquatics Director bpeace@newtonrec.org

Assistant Superintendent Bart Peace is a Certified Parks and Recreation Professional with 30+ years of experience in Public Recreation. After graduation from ESU, he has taken on many roles at NRC over the years. Continuing education includes Lifeguard and CPR Instructor Training, National Aquatics Management School, Aquatics Facility Operator Training, Budget Workshops, and Conferences. Bart is proud of what his coworkers and the NRC provide for the Newton community. Outside of the NRC Bart is still "outside", either at his son's games or at the lake sailing and fishing.

Candice Egizi-Sifuentez – Program Director cegizi@newtonrec.org

Candice has proudly served the Newton Recreation Commission since 2004, starting as a Sports Supervisor and growing into her current role as Program Director in 2022. Over the years, she has worked across all four divisions - Sports, Aquatics, Wellness, and Programs, and spent 17 years as Office Manager.

She is passionate about creating engaging programs, leading marketing efforts, and supporting the community. Teaching toddler and preschool classes for over 21 years has been one of the most rewarding parts of her career.

As parents of three who grew up in Rec programs, Candice and her husband have a deep personal connection to the mission. She truly loves what she does and is proud to serve the Newton community.

Tracie Strain – Wellness Center Director tstrain@newtonrec.org

In 1985 Tracie Strain, a Newton native, began her NRC career working part time in the Wellness Center and leading fitness classes. She began a full-time management role in July 1992 as Assistant Wellness Director and Wellness Director in 1995. As an ACE Certified Personal Trainer, certified group fitness leader and Aqua fitness leader, Tracie continues to share her passion empowering clients to meet their wellness & fitness goals.

Tyler Boese – Sports Director tboese@newtonrec.org

Tyler Boese began his career at the Newton Recreation Commission in 2019. He became the Sports Director in 2020 after previously serving as the Assistant Sports Director. His passion for the field goes beyond providing opportunities for sports in the community. Tyler values the chance to teach kids, build relationships within the community, and encourage youth to get out of the house and try something new.

Tyler has also been a basketball coach within USD 373 for the past three years and currently serves as an assistant coach for the NHS Boys Basketball Team.

Lori Gard Hein - Buisness Manager lhein@newtonrec.org

Lori has been the Business Manager at the Newton Recreation Commission since June 1997. Her responsibilities include payroll, paying bills, invoicing, record keeping, NRC Board secretary, and supporting the Superintendent, Directors, and staff as needed. (And believe me there are lots of needs!)

Lori very much believes in NRC’s mission to provide affordable services to the Newton Community.

Lori is married and has two daughters, 7 grandchildren, and 2 great-grandchildren. She enjoys hosting family holiday gatherings. She also has enjoyed signing up her grands in all sorts of NRC activities over the years.

Outside of NRC, Lori’s commitment to her community continues. Lori enjoys doing volunteer work. She has volunteered for Kauffman Museum, Women’s Community Foundation, CASA, Big Brother/Big Sisters, Newton Community Theatre, Grace Community Church, and a wide variety of others over the decades.

Esmeralda Hernandez – NRC Clubhouse Coordinator ehernandez@newtonrec.org

Esmeralda Hernandez serves as the NRC Clubhouse Coordinator for the Newton Recreation Commission, leading NRC Clubhouse, a before and after school and summer childcare program. She is passionate about creating safe, fun, and engaging environments that support children and families in her community. Esmeralda oversees daily operations, staff leadership, and program planning for NRC Clubhouse. She is known for her creativity, strong leadership, and dedication to creating meaningful experiences for youth. Her goal is to continue growing NRC Clubhouse in ways that support families, foster connections, and make a lasting positive impact in the community.

Sarah Hensiek – Office Manager shensiek@newtonrec.org

Growing up participating in Newton Recreation Commission’s youth sports and programs, Sarah Hensiek’s role is especially meaningful today. Since 2022, Sarah has served as the Office Manager for the Newton Recreation Commission, where she supports the Superintendent, Directors, and Business Manager in daily operations. Her responsibilities include managing reservations and registrations, answering phones, sharing information, and helping foster positive relationships with the community.

Sarah truly enjoys getting to know the customers and takes pride in providing quality customer service while supporting the community that shaped her. Outside of work, she loves traveling, attending her kids’ sporting events, and reading.

Rebecca Butcher - Wellness and Aquatics Coordinator rfriesen@newtonrec.org

Rebecca Butcher is the Wellness and Aquatics Coordinator at the Newton Recreation Commission, where she has worked since 2013. She helps manage the municipal pool and supports a variety of fitness and recreation programs for all ages. A graduate of Kansas State University, she enjoys creating a welcoming environment that encourages healthy, active lifestyles.

Outside of work, Rebecca enjoys swimming, horseback riding, reading, and studying law. She also loves spending time with her husband, kids, and family, making lasting memories together.

Nathan Boese – Head of Maintenance nboese@newtonrec.org

Nathan started working part time for Newton Recreation Commission in 1992 as a lifeguard opening wading pools around town and working at the municipal pool for the summer and as an evening front desk office workers and gym monitor throughout the rest of the year. He was hired as a part time evening custodian in 1993 and then hired as the Head Custodian in 1994. He took over the Head of Maintenance job along with still being the Head Custodian in 1999 and continues in that role today. Nathan has 3 children, who live close and he enjoys seeing them every day. Nathan played adult softball for 25 years and made many new friends along the way. He now enjoys doing floor work and remodeling on the side in his free time.

Stephanie Nutter - Maintenance

Stephanie has been a valued member of the maintenance and custodial team at Newton Recreation Commission since September 2018. In this role, she is dedicated to maintaining a clean, safe, and welcoming environment while supporting the organization’s daily operations. She takes pride in contributing to the overall success of NRC and values the strong teamwork and relationships she has built with her coworkers.

Outside of work, Stephanie is married and a proud parent of two children. She enjoys spending quality time with her family, especially cruising together.

Joel Smith - Field Maintenance jsmith@newtonrec.org