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Meet the Recreation Staff
Heather Buller, Recreation Director
Joining the La Vista Recreation Department in 2023, Heather has spent over 16 years in the Parks and Recreation world and brings with her a genuine passion for building community through play, connection, and creative programming. She began her career in Texas, and has since worked across events, athletics, aquatics, senior services, cemeteries, golf courses, and park planning. She loves finding ways to make recreation accessible, engaging, and fun for everyone.
Heather grew up around the world as part of an Air Force family before finding her way to Nebraska. She is a proud University of Nebraska–Lincoln graduate with a degree in Hospitality, Restaurant and Tourism Management. She loves turning community ideas into real programs, cheering on her staff, and bringing joyful moments to La Vista. One event, park, and adventure at a time.
David Karlson, Assistant Director
David brings nearly three decades of experience in community recreation to the City of La Vista. Joining in June 1996 as the Assistant Recreation Director, David holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Community Recreation from the University of Northern Iowa.
Prior to his role in La Vista, he served as the Program Director for the Marshalltown, Iowa YMCA for 2 years and later as the Community Center Director for the Des Moines Parks & Recreation Department from 7 years. David's expertise spans youth and adult sports programming, special events coordination, and senior services, all of which contribute to creating engaging and enjoyable experiences for the La Vista community.
Denny Dinan, Recreation Manager-Athletics
Denny brings nearly 20 years of dedicated service to the City of La Vista, starting as the La Vista Fall Golf Course Manager in 2006 and transitioned to the role of Youth and Adult Sports Manager in 2016. In this capacity, Denny meticulously plans and supervises all youth and adult sports programs, special events, and field scheduling activities. His commitment to fostering a vibrant sports culture in La Vista is evident in his tireless efforts to ensure smooth operations for practices, games, tournaments, and various community events.
Kaily Summerlin, Recreation Manager-Seniors
Kaily Stanley brings a wealth of experience and passion for senior services to her role as the Senior Services Manager at the City of La Vista Recreation Department. With a bachelor’s degree in Therapeutic Recreation from the University of Northern Iowa, Kaily has previously dedicated 13 years to serving seniors as a Recreation Therapist in local nursing homes.
Since joining La Vista in April 2020, Kaily has been instrumental in distributing meals to seniors, designing engaging recreation programs tailored to seniors' needs, and overseeing the La Vista Special Services Bus program. Her commitment to enhancing the quality of life for seniors reflects in her proactive approach and innovative programming initiatives.
Jared Gast, Assistant Events Coordinator
Jared brings a diverse background in event management and a passion for creating memorable moments to his role as Assistant Events Coordinator for the La Vista Recreation Department. In his previous time with the Omaha Storm Chasers, Indianola High School and the City of Council Bluffs, Jared has gained high-level hands-on experience in event planning and operations.
A graduate of Simpson College, Jared earned a Bachelor of Arts in Sports Administration. His time as a collegiate athlete and current multi-sport high school coach has helped shape his passion for connecting with young people and providing opportunities to learn and grow for all ages through play and leisure. In his role Jared plans and executes Recreation Department programming and events, as well as working to create new opportunities and programs for the community to enjoy.
Kimmy Ludwick, Administrative Specialist
Before joining the City of La Vista in 2024, Kimmy began her public service career in 2017, working for the City of Gretna and the City of Papillion. She brings years of municipal experience and a strong commitment to serving her community.
A proud graduate of Metropolitan Community College, Kimmy earned a General Associate’s Degree while completing high school. She is currently pursuing a Bachelor’s Degree in Entrepreneurship with a minor in Management and Leadership at the University of Nebraska at Omaha (UNO).
With a passion for community engagement, organization, and continuous improvement in city operations, Kimmy is dedicated to supporting the City of La Vista’s mission to provide exceptional service and foster a vibrant, growing community.