MEET THE TEAM
The SMPA Team is dedicated to dramatically improving the health and economic vitality of the Sand Mountain region.
We’re so excited and privileged to serve you and the City of Albertville!
PATRICK O’BRIEN
General Manager
Proven operations and facilities director with strong leadership skills, eight years of management experience, 11 years of sport/recreation industry experience and eight years of coaching experience. Patrick was an integral member of the leadership team during the pre-opening phase of Spooky Nook Sports, which at the time was the largest indoor sports complex in North America. SNS is a 65-acre, 700,000 sq. ft. facility who sees about 1M unique visitors per year. He was able to consistently build high performing teams that achieved goals and provided exceptional customer service. SNS quickly grew into one the best indoor sports complexes on the East Coast in part due to Patrick’s excellent leadership. He also was one of the key operational liaisons to the USA Women’s National Field Hockey Team which practiced and hosted matches at SNS. As the General Manager of Sand Mountain Park and Amphitheater, Patrick sees this opportunity as a sincere honor to serve the City of Albertville, help make the SMPA dream come true and positively change the Sand Mountain region forever. His leadership style focuses on purpose relating to the mission, ownership, development, performance and teamwork.
Patrick’s passion is to make a positive impact on the community through sport, recreation, events and wellness! Patrick received a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Millersville University and a Master of Science in Sport Management from Georgia Southern University. Patrick lives in Albertville with his wife Kristi, stepdaughter Kennadi, and baby Cooper.
Kevin Walker
Assistant general manager
BEAU DAHLKE
Finance Manager
Beau grew up in Albertville and played baseball, basketball, and football while maintaining a GPA higher than a 4.0. Beau is a graduate of Shorter University, where he received a Bachelor of Arts in Accounting and was a member of Sigma Beta Delta Honor Society. After graduation, Beau launched his career in Albertville, AL, where he began an internship for MDA Accounting Firm, as a staff accountant. That eventually led to a five-year stint auditing businesses and preparing tax returns for corporations and individuals. He then held the Controller job at Weathers Hardware and Appliances for a year and a half before joining the SMPA team. Beau oversees Human Resources, Payroll, Bookkeeping, and Monthly Financial Reporting for the Park. Beau is married to Hilary Dahlke, and together they have two children!
Connor McGowan
DIRECTOR OF MEMBERSHIP
Corey Duke
human resources coordinator
James Seymour
Director of entertainment and events
PHILIP FORMBY
Senior Director of Operations
As a certified parks and recreation professional, Phillip has over twenty-four years of experience as a recreation professional. In 1996, Phillip received Special Honors in Recreation Administration from Jacksonville State University and holds a Certified Parks and Recreation Professional certificate through Alabama Recreation & Park Association. Phillip enjoys all sports, especially golf, baseball and softball. He is a servant care leader at The Fellowship Baptist Church and likes to spend his free time with his wife and two children.
