Dr. Robert Ashcraft

Robert F. Ashcraft, Ph.D. is a citizen champion of public parks and recreation. His years of service are based on a belief that parks and recreation are essential to building community well-being, not for some, but for all. Dr. Ashcraft served for a decade on the board of the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA), including a stint as its Chair, during an era when NRPA developed and enacted its pillars of Health and Wellness, Equity and Conservation. Dr. Ashcraft has a global reputation for his pioneering work to advance the understanding of and effective practice for leaders of nonprofit/philanthropic organizations. Under his leadership, the ASU Lodestar Center is considered one of the world’s leading nonprofit academic centers, renowned for its research, education, leadership programs, technical assistance and conference activities, helping to build the capacity of the social sector for those who lead, manage and support nonprofits. In 2012 Dr. Ashcraft was named one of the most influential leaders in the nonprofit sector by the Nonprofit Times as a member of its “Power and Influence Top 50” list.

Chris Dropinski - Board Secretary

Leading projects across the country, Chris has gained perspective and knowledge of best business practices. Championing a mission-based entrepreneurial approach with engaged stakeholders she offers expert advice in areas such as organizational relationships and strategic management, striving to assure professionals are prepared to respond appropriately to well-meaning policy makers and constituents. 

Her current role as co-owner and Senior Principal at GreenPlay, spanning 20 years, builds on a strong foundation of 24 years of Parks and Recreation administration with nearly half of that as Director of the City of Boulder, Colorado, Parks and Recreation Department.  Armed with a teaching degree in addition to her P&R Administration degree, Chris has passionately helped move our profession forward, taking advantage of opportunities to serve in leadership and faculty positions ranging from non-profits and foundations, to the NRPA Rocky Mountain Revenue and Management School, and the National Association of Park Foundations.

As a Certified Parks and Recreation Executive, a fellow of the American Academy for Park and Recreation Administrators, and experienced consultant she continues to help organizations remain relevant in our ever-changing environment.  Living in Colorado with her husband Mike is extraordinary, and motherhood has been the joy of her life.

Lori Berkes-Nelson

Lori Berkes-Nelson, M.S. Ed, CFRE,is the Executive Director of the Rockford Park District Foundation. She has been securing philanthropic support and enhancing awareness of the Rockford Park District's benefits to the community since 2014. The Rockford Park District Foundation was founded in 1979 and to date has raised more than $50 million dollars thanks to the generosity of friends and donors to support various capital projects and programs that serve youth. The Foundation is a 501 c (3) and is led by a 22 member volunteer Board of Directors.

Lori is a natural born networker who believes in the importance of intentional and motivational leadership. She has devoted her professional life to non-profit viability through successful leadership, board development, strategic planning, fundraising and marketing. She has over 30 years of non-profit management experience including leadership at Rosecrance, Golden Apple Foundation and Econ Illinois. Lori holds a Master of Science in Counseling from Northern Illinois University and has earned the credential of Certified Fundraising Executive (CFRE).

Jennifer Spieser

Jennifer has over 20 years of experience in the non-profit sector. Her enthusiasm, dedication, and authenticity fosters good will - especially in her work on behalf of the Cincinnati Parks Foundation.

She has ensured that the work of the organization is equitable and inclusive, advocating for causes like accessibility in infrastructure and programming. Since 2015, Jennifer and her team have raised more than $25MM on behalf of Cincinnati Parks. Her past roles include the head of Development for the Cincinnati Fire Department, raising over $35MM on their behalf. She also became the first female Public Information Officer in her tenure.

Jennifer has volunteered for the Make-A-Wish Foundation, Give Back Cincinnati, the Cincinnati Fire Foundation, Greater Cincinnati Hamilton County Disabilities Services, the Cincinnati Recreation Foundation, the Cincinnati Ballet Academy, and the Greater Cincinnati Foundation’s Women’s Fund. She is a Founding Member of the Women's Committee of Cincinnati Parks and currently serves as a Board member of the Cincinnati Children's Theater and is a member of Artworks’ New Monuments Committee.

Tim Herd 

Tim Herd, CPRE is the CEO of the Pennsylvania Recreation and Park Society, the statewide professional association for those who work or volunteer in parks and recreation, providing industry leadership, professional development, advocacy, and resources.

He is a Certified Park and Recreation Executive (CPRE), and has been nationally recognized by the Take Pride in America Awards Program for his “commitment and exceptional contributions to the stewardship of America’s natural and cultural resources.” Tim is an award-winning writer and broadcaster, and the author of six books and countless published articles, features, and serial columns on leadership development, the benefits of parks, and connecting to nature. He is married to Carol for more than four decades, and boasts of four grown and accomplished children.

Mark McKinnon

Mark McKinnon has nearly 40 years’ experience in parks and recreation administration, programming and facility management in the Chicago metropolitan area.  From 2006 through 2015, Mark served as the Executive Director of the Addison Park District and previously held positions with the Homewood-Flossmoor Park District and the Orland Park Recreation Department.  Today, Mark is the CEO of Recreation Executive Consultants (REC), a consulting firm focusing on managing strategic and comprehensive plans, executive searches and staff teambuilding.  He and his wife, Kathy, live in Bloomingdale, Illinois and are the proud parents of 3 great adults—one of which followed Mark into a career in parks and rec management.

Heather Eddy

Heather Eddy serves as the Oglebay Foundation’s Director of Development. Heather is a graduate of Ohio University and earned her M.B.A. in Marketing from San Diego State University. She holds a Certificate in Fundraising Management from the Indiana University. Previously, Heather served in the publishing industry and held leadership roles with both the San Diego Foundation (including work to support and manage the Balboa Park Trust) and Metro Visitor Venues in Portland, Oregon (supporting the Oregon Convention Center, Oregon Zoo, Portland Expo Center, and Portland’s Centers for the Arts). She has launched Day of Giving initiatives, cultivated dynamic public/private partnerships, led annual fund and capital campaigns, and supported planned giving initiatives in multiple communities.

Matthew Rosebrock

Matthew Rosebrock has worked for the Charleston County Park & Recreation Commission for the past 18 years primarily Managing the Festival and Event department for the Recreation Division. In August of 2019, he took the role of Business Development Manager managing all activities for the Charleston County Parks Foundation and the sponsorship and sales initiatives for the Commission. He is happily married to Marie and has an eager 18 year old daughter named Lucy. Matthew enjoys playing with his dog Henry, listening to music and playing sports like basketball and Frisbee golf.

Kelly Schmidt

A vibrant and enthusiastic leader facilitating access to parks, outdoor recreation, and arts + culture who takes pride in having improved every organization that she's served. With over 30 years of experience in the community improvement/enhancement profession, Kelly has had the opportunity to be a leader for public, private, and non-profit organizations across the country and internationally. She held leadership roles for Runway Group (Arkansas), YMCA(Florida & Colorado), REI(Colorado & California) and various municipalities in Colorado, California, Texas, Washington, and Edinburgh, Scotland. These treasured and transformative experiences have developed her passion for enhancing communities and facilitating connections by creating, leading, and managing engaging community outreach programs and events, facilities, park systems, trails, outdoor recreation amenities and initiatives, and open spaces to the highest of standards. She's thrilled to apply her Parks management and parks foundation knowledge in her role as NAPF board member.

Debbie Trueblood - Board Vice Chair 

Debbie Trueblood, MSW, IOM, CAE: Debbie is a Senior Consultant at Association Management Center. She has formerly served as the Executive Director for Illinois Park and Recreation Association, Society of Vertebrate Paleontology, Academy for Eating Disorders, Society of Adolescent Health and Medicine, International Association of Rehabilitation Professionals, and Illinois HomeCare Council (Interim). She has lobbied for Illinois HomeCare Council, National Private Duty Association, and American Osteopathic Association. She is a graduate of the Dunn Fellowship with the Illinois Governor’s Office, the Illinois Women’s Institute for Leadership, and the Institute for Organization Management (IOM). She is a Certified Association Executive. She has a Masters in Social Work from University of Illinois at Chicago and a Bachelors in Social Work from MacMurray College. She was a recipient of the Association Forum’s “Forty Under Forty” award. She served on the American Society of Association Executives Ethics Committee as Chair. As a consultant, she supports associations with governance, strategic planning, member engagement, ethics, and diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) work.

Joe Wynns - Board Chair 

Wynns served as the Director of Indy Parks, Indianapolis, IN from 2000 to 2008 leading Indy Parks to the level of national finalist for the Gold Medal Award for Excellence in Park and Recreation Management in 2005, ’06 and ’07.   Concurrently, Wynns served on the Board of Directors of the National Recreation and Park Association (NAPA) Board of Directors from 2004 – 2011 during which time Wynns served on the Outdoor Resources Review Group (ORRG), a national bipartisan advisory panel with honorary co-chairs Senator Lamar Alexander and Senator Jeff Bingaman. His work was presented to President Barack Obama’s Administration (Department of Interior) documenting the need for parks, outdoor recreation, open space and related issues.

John Sydnor

John was born and raised in Virginia and has called Richmond home for over 35 years. John received his Masters in Urban and Regional Planning from Virginia Commonwealth University and has been in the nonprofit field for over 30 years working in economic development, fund raising, and affordable housing. John has been the Executive Director of the Enrichmond Foundation since 2011 and has grown the foundation from a one person operation to the vibrant, multi-jurisdictional and multi-departmental team that it is today.  Starting in 2016 Enrichmond initiated a renewed commitment to equitable access in public and open spaces for communities in need and started proactively implementing financing and services to rectify this critical issue. One of the most effective efforts in this commitment has focused on the reclamation and preservation of historic African American cemeteries in the City of Richmond.

Arnie Biondo

Arnie brings over 40 years of proven, successful experience in public parks and recreation leadership. With 25 years as the Executive Director in Carol Stream, Illinois, and Centerville,Ohio, he led both agencies to National Gold Medal levels of excellence. An innovative and seasoned professional, his career spans small to large agencies in three states, including city departments and special districts. He has been engaged in strategic planning with five agencies, using community involvement and a marketing orientation. Arnie has excelled at developing future leaders and at building organizational effectiveness and productivity. Six of his subordinates have progressed to become executive directors. He has regularly taught and presented in multiple states, and at regional and national conferences on leadership, revenue enhancement, creativity, strategic planning, customer service and more. He has authored multiple articles for state and national publications. Arnie is past instructor and Chairperson of the NRPA Revenue Sources Management School. He is a member of the American Academy for Park and Recreation Administration. In addition, he has served on the association governing boards in Illinois, Ohio and Indiana. He has been elected to serve on the Board of Marriott’s Harbour Lake Resort, Orlando, for 11 years. He was named Ohio Park and Recreation Association Professional of the Year 2020. In 2019, Arnie was certified by TTI Success Insights to conduct DISC and 12 Driving Forces assessments for team-building and professional development.

Douglas Youngblood (1950 to 2021)

In Memoria To Douglas Youngblood (1950 to 2021) Doug was a founding member of the National Association of Parks Foundation (NAPF) serving as Treasurer. Read more here.