NRPA Seeks Qualified Applicants to Fill Expected Vacancies on the Board of Directors

Ashburn, VA (April 3, 2023)

The National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA), the nation’s leading advocate for parks and recreation, is seeking qualified applicants to fill expected vacancies on the Board of Directors, serving a term from 2023-2026 (with potential to renew for a second three-year term).

NRPA’s governance structure reflects a board composed of 15-30 individuals who are advocates and professionals, representing the diverse interest areas and disciplines of parks and recreation. The board advances the mission of NRPA and provides strategic leadership, governance and fiduciary oversight. While day-to-day operations are led by NRPA’s president and chief executive officer (CEO), Kristine Stratton, the Board-CEO relationship is a partnership, and the appropriate involvement of the board is both critical and expected.

Officers of the board are elected annually and are reflective of the NRPA membership, which includes professional and advocate leaders in the park and recreation movement; park and recreation agencies and organizations representing the public, private, voluntary, commercial and industrial sectors; firms supplying park and recreation products and services; and individuals and civic groups engaged in the park, recreation, conservation, equity and inclusion, and health fields. 

For this year’s recruitment cycle, priority will be given to candidates that match any of the following profiles:

  • Information Technology and/or Research Professional – NRPA seeks an experienced data science or information technology professional to bring knowledge and expertise with data analytics and technology platforms, and their strategic use, relevant to the park and recreation field. Candidates will have experience conducting, interpreting and presenting data analysis and/or research.
  • Grant Making Professional – NRPA seeks an experienced grant maker to bring knowledge, expertise and connections for relevant grant opportunities. The ideal candidate will have a strong philanthropic background.
  • American with Disabilities Act (ADA)/Accessibility/Adaptation Professional – NRPA seeks an experienced professional with strong understanding of ADA/accessibility law, best practices, trends and opportunities in adaptation, and who has proven track record of implementing inclusive solutions, whether physical or cognitive.
  • Innovative Young Professional – NRPA seeks an enthusiastic and dynamic young professional (defined as 35 years or younger). The young professional will be engaged in cutting-edge work within their organization at a director or upper management level. The candidate will be engaged in up-and-coming conservation, health and wellness, or youth development trends/programming.
  • Education Professional – NRPA seeks an education professional working in a collegiate setting in the area of recreation and parks, public health, sustainability, or a related field. The ideal candidate will have experience and expertise in curriculum development and delivery and/or research and trends analysis.
  • Midwest or Northeast Geography – NRPA seeks a board that is reflective of the geographic diversity of the United States and tracks geographic representation across four geographic regions: West, Midwest, South and Northeast. NRPA is currently seeking relevant candidates geographically located in the Midwest or Northeast.

Applications will be accepted April 3 - April 28, 2023. A candidate review and consideration process will be conducted from May through July. Successful candidate terms will begin October 9, 2023, at the 2023 NRPA Annual Conference in Dallas, Texas.

To learn more about the Board of Directors and submit an application, click here.

To learn more about NRPA’s current Board of Directors and leadership team, click here. 

To learn more about NRPA, visit nrpa.org.   

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About the National Recreation and Park Association

The National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) is the leading not-for-profit organization dedicated to building strong, vibrant and resilient communities through the power of parks and recreation. With more than 60,000 members, NRPA advances this mission by investing in and championing the work of park and recreation professionals and advocates — the catalysts for positive change in service of equity, climate-readiness, and overall health and well-being. For more information, visit nrpa.org. For digital access to NRPA’s flagship publication, Parks & Recreation, visit parksandrecreation.org.