Meet NRPA's new leaders: Ron Lehman and Lori Daniel take over as chairman and president for the coming year.

At NRPA's Annual Congress & Exposition in Reno, Nev., last month, new officers were installed into the positions of NRPA president and chairman of the board. Although filling huge shoes left by David Lose and Jim Donahue, these new leaders bring with them a world of experience in the field and as important citizens in their communities. Take a look at what these dynamic members will bring to the organization:

Ronald D. Lehman, NRPA chairman of the board, is the owner of Your Personal Best, Inc., a company that specializes in preventative medicine, and fitness and nutrition training. After working in education for 35 years, and park and recreation as a citizen-board member for 33 years, Lehman has continued to build on an active volunteer life.

A graduate of Northern Illinois University, Lehman taught and coached in Illinois for 16 years, then became the principal of Minooka High School, where he continued to work until 1990. While teaching, he was also owner and then partner of Channon Acres Partners, Inc., which develops real estate.

In 1991, Lehman opened Your Personal Best, Inc., to help fellow citizens reach their full wellness potential, and help prevent health-related problems.

Lehman has been the commissioner for Channahon Community Park District in Illinois since 1972, and has served as the treasurer for 23 years. He was also elected as the state director for the Illinois Association of Park Districts in 1985, and also served as state president in 1992. Since 1990, he has also served as a representative to the Great Lakes Regional Council.

In 1994, Lehman became commissioner of the Illinois-Michigan Heritage Corridor Commission, and also became a NRPA Board of Trustee. For the past four years, he's served as treasurer.

For his continued service to the community and parks and recreation, in 1995 Lehman was named the Alan Weisburg Citizen of the Year, and in 1995 won the APRS Meritorious Citizen of the Year.

Lehman is also a charter member of the Channahon Rotary club, the National Association of Secondary School Principals, and a past member of the Advisory Council to Silver Cross Hospital in Joliet, Ill.

Lehman is married to Mary Ann, and enjoys fishing, golf and running--he has completed 24 marathons.

Lori J. Daniel, CPRP, NRPA president, is manager of recreation services for the city of Aurora, Department of Library & Recreation Services in Colorado. Since 1975, Daniel has developed and directed the city's recreation services. To date, Daniel manages a $9 million budget, 70 regular and 800 temporary employees, 1,600 volunteers, 30 facilities and 8,000 programs.

Daniel graduated in 1972 from the University of Northern Colorado with a bachelor of science degree in recreation. With her years of experience and professional development, Daniel is often asked to share her knowledge at Western Revenue School, the National Symposium of Parks & Recreation Administration and numerous conferences and universities. Daniel has regularly participated in the Colorado Professional Registration program and the current Colorado/National Certification Plan.

After becoming a member of Colorado Parks and Recreation Association (CPRA) in 1970, Daniel held all elected offices, including president from 1981-1982. She has chaired and served on many committees, serving in 1990 as a member of the Colorado Professional Certification Board and the CPRA Long Range Planning Review Committee.

In 1972, Daniel joined NRPA, holding membership on the 1985-1986 President's Committee on Chapter Status, 1984 Congress program committee, 1982-1983 National Forum, 1981-1982 Mid-West Council and 1982 Mid-West Awards. Daniel chaired the 1982 NRPA Council of Affiliated Presidents. In 1998, Daniel became the Board of Trustees (BOT) representative for APRS, and completed two, three-year terms.

Daniel has actively participated on special committees, developed and conducted special workshops, National Forum Summit, and attended all National meetings during her terms. Daniel served as the National Forum Chair in 2002, and assisted with the development and transition of the new National Forum aligned with the BOT new governance. This past year, Daniel served as the chair of the newly appointed NRPA Strategic Planning Committee.

Daniel's professional achievement has been recognized by the Mid-West Regional Council and Colorado Parks & Recreation Association fellow awards, with honors in such publications as "Outstanding Young Women of America." The Aurora Recreation Leisure Services Division has been recognized for its service excellence, program and operation innovation through the National Gold Medal Award, Special Recreation Award, and CPRA State Columbine Awards for innovative programs and development of an internal education section for "Research & Training," Differential Fee, Aquatics Training & Audit programs, and the Senior Center Veteran's Salute program.

In 2001, Daniel received the city of Aurora Manager of the Year award. In 2003, Daniel was presented a Lifetime Achievement Award for outstanding contributions in the development of sports in Aurora, Colo., presented in conjunction with the community celebration of Aurora, Colo., becoming Sports Illustrated's 50th Anniversary # 1 Sportstown in Colorado.

Daniel is married to a retired Aurora police officer and enjoys mountain camping, family gatherings and travels with her husband, three adult children and one grandson.

Daniel is also the first NRPA president from Colorado.