In December 2001, Susan Kalish joined the NRPA staff as director of communications. (Appointments).

In December 2001, Susan Kalish joined the NRPA staff as director of communications. Although her previous position was executive director of The American Running Association and the American Medical Athletic Association, parks and recreation have always been close to her heart. She was the chair of the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board for the City of Fairfax, Va., and has benefited from parks and recreation facilities where she learned to swim, hiked the Grand Canyon and currently coaches soccer. She is the author of Your Child's Fitness, Practical Advice for Parents (Human Kinetics, 1997). Susan's goal at NRPA is to make sure each issue of Parks & Recreation not only reflects the diversity of our profession and the importance of our mission, but also has practical information that members can use daily. She also will be expanding our web site, and spreading the good word on the importance of parks and recreation in communities nationwide. Susan lives in Fairfax City with her husband John, their two children, Mathew and Alexa, and Norton, a West Highland white Terrier.

Shawn P. De Rosa has been hired as Northeast Regional director for NRPA. He is the former aquatics program coordinator of the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Management and has been active within NRPA as the New England Regional representative to the National Aquatics Council, New England Regional Council and the Aquatic Facilities Operator Board of Directors. De Rosa is a graduate of Boston College with a degree in Business Administration/Marketing, holds a Juris Doctor cum laude degree from Suffolk University of Law, and is a member of the Massachusetts Bar Association. He resides in Boston, Massachusetts and his interests include volunteer work in the community with the American Red Cross.