Texas Recreation and Park Society names Rich DePalma executive director

The Texas Recreation and Park Society has appointed Rich DePalma as executive director after a nationwide search. The move puts a veteran parks, public affairs and nonprofit leader at the helm of the statewide group as it looks to expand education, advocacy and member services across Texas.

Why it matters: - Rich DePalma will guide the Texas Recreation and Park Society as the organization works to strengthen education, advocacy, professional development and member services for parks and recreation professionals across Texas. - The appointment brings in a leader with more than 20 years of experience in parks and recreation, public affairs, strategic consulting, community engagement, nonprofit leadership and public-sector work.

What happened: - The Texas Recreation and Park Society announced July 17, 2026, that DePalma is its new executive director. - The Board of Directors unanimously selected DePalma after a nationwide recruitment process. - TRAPS Board President Aaron Dobson said DePalma brings the experience, relationships and strategic leadership needed to build on the organization’s foundation. - DePalma said he is honored to serve as executive director and wants to listen to members and work with staff and partners to expand the value TRAPS provides.

The details: - DePalma most recently served as vice president with FGM Architects. - In that role, he worked with communities throughout Texas on public projects, including parks and recreation facilities. - His work included strategic planning, public engagement, partnerships and identifying traditional and alternative funding opportunities for public projects. - DePalma was already involved with TRAPS before taking the job. - He served on the TRAPS Legislative Committee. - He also supported the society through professional presentations and organizational sponsorship. - DePalma is a frequent speaker at the Texas Recreation and Park Society Institute and the National Recreation and Park Association Annual Conference. - He currently serves as board president of the Barton Springs Conservancy. - He also serves on the advisory board of Hispanic Professionals in Parks and Recreation. - His prior civic and nonprofit leadership includes vice chair of the City of Austin Parks and Recreation Board, president of the TreeFolks Board of Directors, board member of the Austin Parks Foundation and co-founder of Friends of Dick Nichols Park. - DePalma has also served on public advisory bodies focused on sustainability, conservation, community development and public investment.

Between the lines: - TRAPS appears to be choosing a leader with deep Texas relationships and direct experience in both public projects and nonprofit governance. - The background suggests the organization wants a chief executive who can balance member services with advocacy, fundraising awareness and public-sector partnerships. - DePalma’s preexisting ties to TRAPS may help him move quickly on internal priorities and external relationships.

What's next: - DePalma is expected to lead TRAPS as it continues supporting parks and recreation professionals through education, professional development, advocacy, networking, leadership opportunities and best-practice exchange. - TRAPS said it remains focused on improving quality of life in Texas through parks, recreation and leisure opportunities. - The organization’s LinkedIn page is available here.