Today we’d like to introduce you to Lana Filice.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I currently serve as the Recreation Supervisor at the Calabasas Tennis & Swim Center. I’ve been in this role for about a year, but I’ve worked for the City of Calabasas for just over 15 years in the Community Services Department.
I started as a part-time employee at De Anza Park, where my focus was youth programming. I helped coordinate the City’s highly popular youth basketball league, supported teen programs like Teen Court and Volunteen, and assisted with City events. That experience is what really sparked my passion for community services. Seeing how the programs we create directly impact families and residents was incredibly rewarding and motivated me to continue growing within the department.
Over the years, I’ve had the opportunity to work at all the City’s facilities, which gave me a strong understanding of day-to-day operations and the different needs of each community space. I’m very proud to work for the City of Calabasas and to have earned multiple promotions as opportunities became available.
Now, at the Tennis & Swim Center, I’m able to contribute to larger projects, improve facility operations, and help ensure a positive experience for both members and guests. It feels like a natural next step in my career.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
The road hasn’t always been smooth, but those challenges have played a major role in my growth. Early in my career, I was balancing part-time work, learning multiple facilities, and taking on increasing responsibility as opportunities arose. The Community Services Department supports a wide range of programs, facilities, and events that serve residents of all ages, and each location has its own operational demands. Learning how to navigate that variety while maintaining consistency was one of my earliest challenges.
Community Services is fast-paced and community-facing, which means priorities can shift quickly based on programming needs, special events, or resident feedback. Over time, I learned the importance of clear communication, building trust with staff across different sites, and staying flexible when plans change. Those experiences helped me develop a broader understanding of how the department works as a whole and how collaboration between teams is essential to delivering high-quality services.
These lessons have shaped how I approach leadership today. I focus on preparation, supporting staff, and solving problems proactively so operations remain consistent across facilities—even when challenges arise. Being part of a department that plays such a visible role in the community has taught me the value of adaptability, teamwork, and service-driven leadership.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I oversee the day-to-day operations of the Calabasas Tennis & Swim Center, ensuring programs run smoothly, staff feel supported, and members and guests have a positive experience from the moment they arrive.
What makes this facility so unique is the variety and quality of amenities we offer. The Tennis & Swim Center features 16 lighted tennis courts, 4 pickleball courts, a Junior Olympic–sized pool, a fully equipped fitness center, and over 50 weekly group fitness classes. We also offer comprehensive tennis and swim programs for all ages, along with a variety of special events throughout the year that bring the community together.
What sets me apart professionally is my ability to balance a strong operational mindset with a high level of customer service. I’m very detail-oriented, but I also focus on the bigger picture—how systems, staffing, and programming work together to support a high-quality experience. I’m especially proud of the operational improvements we’ve implemented that enhance efficiency while elevating the member experience. Just as important, we have an incredible staff who are knowledgeable, dedicated, and genuinely passionate about creating a welcoming environment for everyone who uses the facility.
What was your favorite childhood memory?
One of my favorite childhood memories is spending summer afternoons at our local recreation pool with my sister. I remember long days swimming, playing water polo, and hanging out with friends between practices. I started going there when I was about seven and continued through my early teens, participating in junior lifeguard and swim team programs.
Swimming always felt natural to me, and the friendships I built through those programs really stuck with me. It feels very full circle now to work at a facility that offers many of the same programs that helped shape my connection to community recreation.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.calabasastsc.com
- Instagram: Calabasasparksandrec
Image Credits
Lana Filice, William Rose, Tripepi Smith & Associates
