Donna Lee Coles
Donna Lee Coles is a dedicated parks and recreation professional with more than 20 years of service with New York State Parks. She currently serves as Golf Clubhouse Supervisor at Sunken Meadow State Park, where she oversees daily clubhouse operations and delivers a welcoming, high-quality experience for golfers and park visitors. Her career reflects a deep commitment to public service, customer engagement, and the effective management of golf and park facilities. Donna began her career with New York State Parks in administrative roles at Belmont Lake State Park /Engineering Dept before transitioning into revenue and tolls operations-focused positions gaining a broad experience with staff supervision and visitor services at Sunken Meadow State Park. She later served as Park Supervisor 2 at Montauk Downs State Park, gaining a broader experience at the golf course and clubhouse facilitating and securing a high demand golf outings at MTK Downs golf course; a focus on pool operations, event and park operations at MTK Point,Hither Hills, Camp Hero/MTK lighthouse, staff supervision, and visitor services of the nine east end state parks. Her work has consistently bridged operational excellence with strong customer service, ensuring golf and parks run safely and efficiently while remaining accessible and enjoyable for the public. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in English Language and Literature from Stony Brook University and brings strong communication and organizational skills to every role she undertakes. Donna’s contributions have been recognized through her nomination for a women’s leadership award, highlighting her impact and leadership within the state parks system. Her career reflects a lasting dedication to preserving office of parks recreation and historic preservation of public spaces and enhancing the golf and park experiences of those who visit them.
• Stony Brook University- B.A.
• Women's Leadership Award nominee
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to the guidance and support of mentors who believed in me throughout my career, including Elaine, Joan, Jeff, Sean and Geoff.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
Don’t take it personal ; don’t take it home with you. Ask questions for clarification/clarity.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
I would encourage young women entering this industry to lead with flexibility and patience, especially in customer service roles, where understanding people and adapting to challenges /changes makes all the difference. If you love the outdoors as well; working at state parks is a wonderful experience. Smile and have a good attitude. Try your best and ask questions!
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
Golf / parks operations offer opportunities for anyone wanting to work in an upbeat environment usually weekends and /or holidays.
Weather could be challenging at times to get the park open and ready for visitors; patrons /golfers do no understand it takes some time or days to clear the parking lot /sidewalks and golf course. An example is during “winter golf “just because the sun is out after a snow storm does not mean the golf course is good to golf on. We all need to have realistic expectations for a safe and fun day at the park /golf course.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Trust communication consistency responsibility appreciation and respect.