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 the 2024-2027 term (with potential to renew for a second three-year term).

NRPA’s governance structure reflects a board composed of 15 to 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 President and CEO Kristine Stratton, the Board-CEO relationship is a partnership, and the appropriate involvement of the board is both critical and expected.

Members of the board are elected annually and are reflective of the NRPA membership. The NRPA membership is diverse and 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 who match any of the following profiles:

• Practicing Public Health Professional – NRPA seeks a candidate in the public health field with demonstrated interest and knowledge in the intersection of parks and recreation and public health via research or projects.

• Certified Landscape Design Professional – NRPA seeks a candidate who holds a certification and a strong background or interest in landscape architecture or design for public spaces.

• Certified Public Accountant – NRPA seeks a candidate who has expertise in accounting, financial management and/or investments, be a credentialed certified public accountant, and/or have nonprofit financial expertise.

• AI and Emerging Technologies Professional – NRPA seeks a candidate who possesses experience with AI and emerging technologies, is engaged in innovative work within their organization at a director or upper management level and understands the implications for parks and recreation.

• Data Analytics Professional – NRPA seeks a candidate who has experience conducting, interpreting and presenting research. This individual works as a data science or information technology professional and brings knowledge and expertise with data analytics and technology platforms, along with their strategic use to their role.

• Senior Advocate/Programming/Aging Expert – NRPA seeks a candidate who has research, advocacy and/or programmatic expertise in the field of healthy aging and older adults, particularly at the intersection of parks and recreation. 

Applications will be accepted April 16-May 6, 2024. A candidate review and consideration process will be conducted from May through July. Successful candidate terms will begin October 8, 2024, at the 2024 NRPA Annual Conference in Atlanta, Georgia.

To submit an application online, 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.