Moving in the RIGHT Direction

Print this article | Send to Colleague

This plan is rooted in solid research that was done last year – including a member survey by the Office of Recreation and Park Resources at the University of Illinois led by director Robin Hall, and a key study led by Rich Grodsky. Additionally, SPAC members reviewed other past studies and research – leading to the finalized plan.

Next steps include staff creating a three-year timeline, which will include measurable goals and tasks attached to the document. Chuck Balling and consultant Charlie Williams have graciously agreed to help with the next phase in setting timelines and tasks. 

The IPRA Board of Directors and staff are committed to strong and solid implementation of the plan – with focus on providing the best services possible to our members and being the best state association for parks and recreation professionals in the nation!

I will keep you updated as we progress toward the actual implementation phase.

Lead the Way
Now that our strategic direction is set, it is time for the association to select a permanent CEO to lead us in implementation, direction and vision. 

The board of directors has selected Hazzard, Young, Attea and Associates (HYA) to assist in our search. You may know some of the consultants working with us – many of whom are past chairs of IPRA – including Keith Frankland, Ray Morrill, Steve Persinger and Fred Hall.

HYA will lead the board through a rigorous process to ensure we select the right person for the job. We are working with several IPRA members to create a leadership profile that will determine the skill set, attributes and qualities we are looking for. This process will begin Sept. 15, with a goal of hiring the CEO by late December. 

If you have questions regarding the process, feel free to contact me.

"Moo-Moo Classic"
On behalf of IPRA I had the privilege of attending the Illinois State Fair this year and I was impressed with the exposure our industry was able to garner. So, as not to break an age-old tradition, I served on the cow milking team with four members of IAPD and Peter Murphy. 

Those of you who really know me realise that I was a little traumatized by the thought of milking a cow. In fact, I think the entire IPRA Board of Directors thought I might back out at the last minute. However, I’m proud to say I didn’t break tradition and I did indeed milk the cow. I wasn’t very good at it....but I did it!

While we didn’t make it to the final round  milk-off, our team brought in a respectable 3¾ pounds of milk and even beat out the 4-H team! 

School is Back in Session
Fall is a great time to get refocused on professional development. I am a firm believer that it is our responsibility as professionals to develop skills so we can be the best we can be and continue to advance our profession, agencies and careers. With that said, I encourage you to visit the IPRA website and take advantage of the many educational opportunities and new webinars available to members. Keeping current and educated in a time of economic change is the best way to stay vital to your organization!