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 into a role focused on member services, advocacy and professional development across Texas.

Why it matters: - Rich DePalma takes over a statewide organization that supports Texas parks and recreation professionals through education, advocacy, networking and leadership development. - The appointment puts an experienced public-sector and community-engagement leader in charge of an organization that serves parks, programs, facilities and public spaces across Texas.

What happened: - The Texas Recreation and Park Society announced July 17, 2026 that it appointed Rich DePalma as 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 society’s foundation. - DePalma said he is honored to lead TRAPS and wants to expand the value the organization provides to members and the communities they serve.

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 at FGM Architects. - At FGM Architects, DePalma worked with Texas communities 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 had already been active in TRAPS before the 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 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, service on the Austin Parks Foundation board and co-founding Friends of Dick Nichols Park. - DePalma has also served on public advisory bodies focused on sustainability, conservation, community development and public investment. - TRAPS says the society is a statewide professional organization dedicated to advancing quality of life in Texas through parks, recreation and leisure opportunities.

Between the lines: - The board’s unanimous vote suggests strong internal confidence in DePalma’s fit for a role that blends advocacy, member support and external relationship-building. - DePalma’s background in both public projects and civic leadership points to a leadership style that may emphasize partnerships and funding strategy, not just association management. - His prior involvement with TRAPS should shorten the transition and give him a built-in understanding of the organization’s legislative and professional priorities.

What's next: - DePalma is expected to work with TRAPS staff and partners to strengthen education, advocacy, professional development and member services. - The society will likely lean on DePalma’s Texas network and public-project experience as it navigates needs across parks and recreation communities statewide. - TRAPS continues to promote professional development, leadership opportunities and the exchange of best practices for parks and recreation workers in Texas.

The bottom line: - TRAPS chose a leader with deep Texas ties and broad civic experience to steer its next phase of member support and statewide advocacy.

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