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 puts a longtime parks, public affairs and nonprofit leader in charge of the statewide organization’s education, advocacy and member services work.

Why it matters: - Rich DePalma is taking over leadership of a statewide organization that supports parks and recreation professionals across Texas. - The appointment comes as TRAPS seeks to strengthen education, advocacy, professional development and member services. - DePalma’s background spans parks and recreation, public affairs, strategic consulting, community engagement, nonprofit leadership and public-sector work.

What happened: - The Texas Recreation and Park Society announced the appointment of Rich DePalma as its new executive director on July 17, 2026. - TRAPS said 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 organization’s foundation.

The details: - DePalma most recently served as 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. - Before the appointment, DePalma served on the TRAPS Legislative Committee. - DePalma also supported TRAPS 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 and sits on the advisory board of Hispanic Professionals in Parks and Recreation. - His prior civic and nonprofit leadership includes roles as vice chair of the City of Austin Parks and Recreation Board, president of the TreeFolks Board of Directors, and board member of Austin Parks Foundation. - DePalma also co-founded Friends of Dick Nichols Park. - He has served on public advisory bodies focused on sustainability, conservation, community development and public investment.

Between the lines: - TRAPS chose a leader with deep connections inside the organization and across Texas parks and civic networks. - The selection signals an emphasis on advocacy, member support and practical project experience, not just association management. - DePalma’s mix of public-sector, nonprofit and consulting work suggests TRAPS wants an executive director who can bridge professionals, local governments and community partners.

What's next: - DePalma is expected to lead TRAPS as it expands value for members and the communities they serve. - His immediate agenda is likely to center on listening to members and working with staff and partners, based on his comments. - TRAPS will continue promoting education, leadership opportunities and best-practice sharing for parks and recreation professionals statewide.

The bottom line: - TRAPS is betting that a well-connected, Texas-based parks and public affairs veteran can help the organization grow its influence and support for the field. - More information: TRAPS on LinkedIn