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 brings a longtime parks, public affairs and nonprofit leader to the statewide organization as it looks to expand member services, advocacy and professional development.

Why it matters: - Rich DePalma takes over leadership of the Texas Recreation and Park Society, a statewide group that supports parks and recreation professionals across Texas. - The appointment comes as TRAPS aims to deepen education, advocacy, professional development and member services for the field.

What happened: - TRAPS announced DePalma as its new executive director on July 17, 2026, after a nationwide recruitment process. - The TRAPS Board of Directors unanimously selected DePalma to lead the organization. - Board President Aaron Dobson said DePalma brings the experience, relationships and strategic leadership needed to build on TRAPS' foundation.

The details: - DePalma has more than 20 years of experience in parks and recreation, public affairs, strategic consulting, community engagement, nonprofit leadership and public-sector initiatives. - Before joining TRAPS, DePalma was a vice president with FGM Architects. - At FGM Architects, DePalma worked with communities across 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 his appointment. - He most recently served on the TRAPS Legislative Committee. - DePalma also supported the society through professional presentations and organizational sponsorship. - He is a frequent speaker at the Texas Recreation and Park Society Institute and the National Recreation and Park Association Annual Conference. - DePalma said he is honored to serve as executive director and wants to listen to members and work with staff and partners to expand TRAPS' value to the profession and communities it serves. - DePalma currently serves as board president of the Barton Springs Conservancy and sits on the advisory board of Hispanic Professionals in Parks and Recreation. - His previous civic and nonprofit leadership includes vice chair of the City of Austin Parks and Recreation Board, president of the TreeFolks board of directors, service on the Austin Parks Foundation board of directors 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. - TRAPS describes itself as a statewide professional organization dedicated to advancing quality of life in Texas through parks, recreation and leisure opportunities. - TRAPS supports professionals through education, professional development, advocacy, networking, leadership opportunities and the exchange of ideas and best practices. - TRAPS included a social media link in its announcement: TRAPS on LinkedIn.

Between the lines: - DePalma's background blends public-sector project work, civic board service and nonprofit leadership, which lines up with TRAPS' advocacy and member-services mission. - His prior committee work inside TRAPS suggests the board chose someone already familiar with the organization's priorities and networks.

What's next: - DePalma will lead TRAPS as the group looks to expand support for parks and recreation professionals statewide. - His immediate agenda will likely center on listening to members and strengthening the organization's education, advocacy and professional development offerings.