New leadership for NRPA. (Tip-off).

A smooth transition of leadership is key to a strong organization. The National Recreation and Park Association is no different. At last month's National Congress & Exposition in Tampa, NRPA welcomed new leaders and recognized the outstanding efforts of those stepping down.

"One of the best things about being a part of the leadership team at NRPA is the outstanding people you get to work with," said NRPA Chair David Lose. "I have really enjoyed working with Marvin Billups this past year, and I think that Jonathan Korfhage will add a great perspective to our vision," Lose said in announcing the transition of Korfhage to NRPA president and Billups to past president.

Jim Donahue, CPRP, the recreation director in Perinton, N.Y., was elected president elect. "Our time and energies should be spent on our CORE functions: communications, outreach, research and education," said Donahue in accepting the position. "An old proverb states that `Vision without action is a daydream; action without vision is a nightmare.' I would like the opportunity to serve as president elect to carry out the vision and make things happen," he concluded.

Re-elected to the executive committee were Vice Chair Don Jessen, Addison, Ill., Secretary Penelope Randel, Northbrook, Ill, Treasurer Ronald Lehman, Channahon, Ill., Professional At-Large Lori Daniel, Aurora, Colo., and Gail Elder White, Salisbury, N.C., and Citizen At-Large Celeste Hamilton, Phoenix, Ariz., and Marty Nohe, Leawood, Kan. Marvin Billups, Jr., CPRP, Baltimore, Md., automatically joined the executive committee as past president.

"NRPA has been lucky to have Marvin's keen understanding of our field during this transitional time," said Interim Executive Director Bob Hall. "He has helped our leadership stay focused and on course."

New citizen at-large members of the Board of Trustees include Chuck Carlberg, Houston, Texas; Joseph Crookham, Oskaloosa, Iowa; Ronald Lehman, Channahon, Ill.; Chuck McDevitt, Boise, Idaho; and Margaret Young, Farmers Branch, Texas. New members of the Board of Trustees include Jodie Adams, CPRP, Springfield, Mo.; Amy Carver, Las Vegas, Nev.; Beverly Griffith, Austin, Texas; Diane Hoover, Ft. Wayne, Ind.; Bert Neal, Baton Rouge, La.; Arvilla Ohlde, Edmonds, Wash.; Janna Rankin, Alta, Wyo.; Jerry Gee, Germantown, Tenn.; and William Zimmermann, New Rochelle, N.Y Adams is the superintendent of recreation in Springfield, Mo. "I will continue to build relationships to expand our health, sports and environmental agendas, which positively influence our nation's youth and families," said Adams when accepting the position.

Stepping down from the Board of Trustees are a number of outstanding leaders who will be sorely missed: Winnie Axe, Kansas City, Kan.; Dr. John Crompton, College Station, Texas; Margaret McCormick, CPRP, Gig Harbor, Wash.; Dr. Veda Ward, Northridge, Calif.; Doug Washington, Beverly Hills, Calif.; Jesse Washington, Richmond, Calif.; and Richard Zavala, Jr., Fort Worth, Texas. NRPA Past President Alice Conkey also ended her term on the board; she remains integrally involved, however, as chair of the search committee for the NRPA Executive Director.

RELATED ARTICLE: Parks and Recreation Good for the Economy.

Americans spent $108 billion on wildlife-related recreation last year, according to the 2001 National Survey of Fishing, Hunting and Wildlife-Associated Recreation. More than a third of all Americans enjoyed fishing last year, while 13 million hunted, and 66 million observed wildlife. Total expenditure in these areas accounted for 1.1 percent of the gross domestic product. Of the total amount spent, $28.1 billion was trip-related, $64.5 billion was spent on equipment and $15.8 billion was spent on other items.

For more information, go to http.//federalaid.fws.gov/.