Lisa Sheppard, Elected to the American Academy for Park and Recreation Administration
Wednesday, October 9, 2024
Lisa Sheppard, Executive Director at the Glencoe Park District, has been elected as a Fellow into the American Academy for Park and Recreation Administration. Lisa was recently inducted at the Academy's General Membership Meeting on October 9, 2024.
The Academy is an organization of distinguished practitioners and educators who are leaders in the parks and recreation profession. To be elected into the Academy, the individual must have served for at least 15 years in a high level of administration in a park and recreation agency or as a recognized educator in parks and recreation administration or they must manage a park and recreation department for a community with a population of more than 500,000. They must also have demonstrated outstanding leadership in professional organizations through service, writing, or speaking and displayed a deep interest in advancing public parks and recreation. The Academy is limited to 137 active members throughout the United States.
Established in 1980, the Academy was formed to advance knowledge related to the administration of recreation and parks; to support and encourage scholarly efforts by both practitioners and educators to enhance the practice of park and recreation administration; to promote broader public understanding of the importance of parks and recreation to the public good; and to conduct research, publish scholarly papers or sponsor seminars related to the advancement of park and recreation administration.
"The Class of 2024 is a great addition to the Academy," said President Tracey Crawford, Executive Director of Northwest Special Recreation District, Rolling Meadows, Illinois. "The Academy is honored to induct Lisa into its ranks. The Academy represents a diverse group of professionals and educators - all with superior career experience and a dedication to improving the quality of life through the provision of high-quality parks and recreation opportunities. We welcome Lisa as a member of the American Academy for Park & Recreation Administration."
"I am truly honored to have been voted into the AAPRA, joining such an incredible group of professionals from across the country. I have always been passionate about advancing the Parks and Recreation profession, which plays a vital role in supporting the mental, physical, and social well-being of a community through parks, facilities, and programs," said Lisa Sheppard, Executive Director of the Glencoe Park District.
More information on the Academy is available at www.aapra.org.