How many of us know people who took an entry-level position and ended up running the company?

It doesn’t happen often, but when it does, it grabs our attention. To start from the bottom and work your way to the top is a matter of timing and luck, but it also takes patience, perseverance and, of course, talent. Without talent, few who make it to the top stay at the top.

Todd Marts started 30-plus years ago as an Interpretive Specialist for El Paso County Parks. While public speaking was not his forte, he nevertheless led hikes, entertained school groups, trained volunteers and performed other tasks “as needed.” On occasion, he emptied trash cans and removed gum from picnic tables. Years later, he was promoted to managing Bear Creek Nature Center, where he is still known for his one-man puppet shows adored by children of all ages.

Both of our county nature centers are unique places. The staff members are upbeat, creative and engaged. Volunteers are committed to the mission and goals, and cherished for their contagious enthusiasm.

Summer day camps and special events fill up quickly because of their value to campers and families. The region’s nature centers are joyful places, and Marts exemplifies that joy.

I’m guessing he could have been quite content managing both nature centers for the remainder of his time with the county, but he possessed the talent, passion and support of his staff to apply for the top job.

During his years as Executive Director of Parks, Marts focused on accessibility, stewardship and community engagement. He secured additional dollars for key projects such as the master plans for Santa Fe Open Space and Paint Mines Interpretive Park, an update to the county park’s master plan, and improvements to the county fairgrounds and Fox Run Regional Park.

Under his leadership, the county started its groundbreaking and award-winning “Trailability Program” that gives residents with disabilities the opportunity to use county trails. The creation of a trail for the visually impaired serves residents with sight challenges.

Much-needed repairs to Fountain Creek Trail, progress on Ute Regional Trail and additional trails in Pineries and Santa Fe open spaces were accomplished during his tenure; as were the Birding Festival, Bear Run, Zombie Run and Happy Trails.

Marts will be the first to tell you none of this would have been possible without the help of top-notch staff. But I would submit that he created a fertile work space, where staff members were encouraged to push boundaries, take chances and create great programs. They knew he had their backs even when the political winds were challenging.

I’ve had supervisors like Marts, but not many. My hope is county management will find another leader who is kind and passionate about parks. Someone who possesses the courage to stand up for what is just and serves our park-loving public.

My hope for Marts is that he basks in the successes, puts aside any disappointments and pops into the nature centers from time to time for an impromptu puppet show.

Davies is the former executive director of the Trails and Open Space Coalition.