Meet the team! Click on their photo to read their biography
Amanda Hobson, Deputy Director
Amanda Hobson began her career in parks and recreation at the age of 16 as a gate attendant at Lake Pueblo State Park. While continuing her work at the park, she pursued her education at Colorado State University–Pueblo, earning a bachelor’s degree in Recreation. She dedicated 17 years to Colorado State Parks, primarily serving as a Park Ranger.
In 2017, she transitioned to the City of Pueblo Parks and Recreation Department as a Recreation Supervisor. During her tenure, she expanded numerous programs, launched several new initiatives, and introduced popular special events. Her leadership and innovation were recognized in 2019 when she was named “Professional of the Year” by the Colorado Parks and Recreation Association (CPRA).
In 2021, she accepted the role of Deputy Director of Parks and Recreation for Pueblo County, where she is helping to build a robust Parks and Recreation division from the ground up. Her efforts have included community outreach, hosted public meetings, and opened three community centers. Throughout her career, Amanda has remained active in CPRA, serving in leadership roles including Chair of the Colorado Association of Recreation and Athletics (CARA), Rockies Skill Challenge Coordinator, Board Liaison, Directors Committee, and Southern Colorado Representative. Amanda is passionate about the future of Parks and Recreation in Pueblo County and continues to lead with enthusiasm and vision. Outside of work, she enjoys camping, fishing, kayaking, hiking, gardening, and spending time with her family.
Abraham Armendariz, Operations Manager
Abe Armendariz has been a dedicated leader in local government since 2023, advancing from Parks Supervisor to Parks Operations Manager. With extensive expertise in landscape maintenance, design, irrigation, facility management, community engagement, and project coordination, Abe is a Colorado Certified Gardener and a Certified Parks and Recreation Professional (CPRP).
Prior to his public service career, Abe founded and managed a local landscape company, honing his skills and commitment to quality.
A lifelong Pueblo resident, Abe is deeply connected to his community, where he resides with his wife and three children. Passionate about giving back, he actively participates in local ice hockey and cherishes time spent with his family.
Kali Jobman, Recreation Supervisor
Kali Jobman is a dedicated Recreation Supervisor with a passion for community engagement and active lifestyles. Holding a degree in Sport Administration, she brings a wealth of experience to her role. Since 2017, Kali has volunteered as a basketball coach at the Windsor Rec Center and coached a middle school team, demonstrating her commitment to sports development. Her background includes managing a busy multi-use sports facility, where she successfully organized year-round tournaments, and handling marketing responsibilities for a small business in South Dakota.
In 2023, Kali joined the Pueblo County Parks and Recreation team as a Recreation Aide and quickly advanced to her current position as Recreation Supervisor. Kali's diverse experience in sports management, marketing, and recreation, combined with a hands-on approach, makes her an asset in creating and maintaining vibrant recreational programs.
Outside of work, Kali loves spending time outdoors with friends and family. She enjoys attending concerts and sporting events, embracing an active and social lifestyle. Her commitment to fostering community, both professionally and personally, makes her an integral part of the Pueblo County Parks and Recreation team.
Brittany Benoit, Community Program Coordinator
My name is Brittany Benoit, and I am the new Program Coordinator for Pueblo County. I recently graduated from Adams State University with a bachelors in Kinesiology: Exercise science/ Sports Management! I came from Alamosa, Colorado where I worked at the local parks and recreation center for over 3 years as the Recreation Specialist! I enjoy my weekends hiking, camping, and hanging out with my family and friends!
Donovan Shepard, Vegetation Specialist
As the Vegetation Specialist for Pueblo County, I have dedicated my career to the strategic management and preservation of our natural resources. In this role, I develop and implement comprehensive programs to control invasive species, safeguarding the ecological integrity of local ecosystems. My expertise extends to operating heavy equipment, where I have contributed to critical infrastructure projects, ensuring operational efficiency and project success. Beyond my professional commitments, I engage in drag racing, leveraging technical precision to excel in competitive environments. I also find balance in camping, embracing the challenges of outdoor exploration, and express my collaborative efforts through performing as a drummer in local bands.
Adam Wiseman, Grounds Supervisor
I'm a lifelong Pueblo resident and graduated from South High School. I've been a Pueblo County employee for 5 years. I have 10 years of experience in grounds maintenance, that I have earned working summers at Colorado State Fair Grounds in my late teens maintaining the landscaping and my 4 years as the Grounds Maintenance Supervisor here for the county. In my spare time I enjoy fishing and hiking with my wife and two sons. I'm also an avid cyclist. I especially like riding my gravel bike on the dirt roads surrounding Pueblo.
Scott Sampson, Program Assistant
Born and raised in Nebraska, Scott moved to the beautiful state of Colorado after graduating college in 2015. He moved to Pueblo in 2022. Since graduating, he has founded and maintained his art business in which he has marketed, networked, and created programs to teach others the joy of making art.
Scott’s career journey with Pueblo County Parks and Recreation started with him being hired as a part-time Recreational Aide. Through hard-work, dedication, and being an advocate for the Pueblo County community, Scott became a Program Community Center Specialist out at McHarg Park Community Center in Avondale, Colorado. He watched over the center and helped with their programming. In October 2025 Scott accepted the position of Program Assistant. With his marketing skills and artistic creativity, he will help get the word out about all the amazing programs and events Pueblo County Parks and Recreation has to offer!
In his free time, besides making art, Scott enjoys the great Colorado outdoors. Hiking, camping, and fishing are his go-tos when it comes to outdoor activities. Scott has been all over Colorado from Estes Park to the Painted Mines to the Great Sand Dunes.