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, bringing in a parks, public affairs and nonprofit leader to guide the statewide organization. The move is aimed at strengthening education, advocacy, professional development and member services for Texas parks and recreation professionals.

Why it matters: - Rich DePalma takes over leadership of the Texas Recreation and Park Society, the statewide group that supports parks and recreation professionals across Texas. - TRAPS is looking to build on its existing base in education, advocacy, professional development and member services. - The appointment could shape how the organization supports communities that rely on parks, programs and public spaces.

What happened: - The Texas Recreation and Park Society announced July 17, 2026, that it appointed Rich DePalma as executive director. - The board of directors unanimously selected DePalma after a nationwide recruitment process. - Board President Aaron Dobson said DePalma brings the experience, relationships and strategic leadership needed to help TRAPS move forward. - DePalma said he is honored to serve and wants to listen to members and work with staff and partners to expand TRAPS’ value.

The details: - DePalma has more than 20 years of experience in parks and recreation, public affairs, strategic consulting, community engagement, nonprofit leadership and public-sector initiatives. - Before joining TRAPS, DePalma was a vice president at FGM Architects. - At FGM Architects, he 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. - DePalma had already been active with TRAPS before the appointment. - He most recently served on the TRAPS Legislative Committee. - He also supported the society through professional presentations and organizational sponsorship. - DePalma is a frequent speaker at the Texas Recreation and Park Society Institute and the National Recreation and Park Association Annual Conference. - He currently serves as board president of the Barton Springs Conservancy. - He also serves on the advisory board of Hispanic Professionals in Parks and Recreation. - His prior civic and nonprofit roles include vice chair of the City of Austin Parks and Recreation Board, president of the TreeFolks Board of Directors, service on the Austin Parks Foundation Board of Directors and co-founder of Friends of Dick Nichols Park. - DePalma has also served on public advisory bodies focused on sustainability, conservation, community development and public investment. - TRAPS describes itself as a statewide professional organization dedicated to advancing quality of life in Texas through parks, recreation and leisure opportunities. - TRAPS says it supports professionals through education, professional development, advocacy, networking, leadership opportunities and the exchange of ideas and best practices. - The release includes a social link to the society’s LinkedIn page.

Between the lines: - The appointment brings in a leader with direct experience in public projects and community engagement, which fits a membership group focused on local parks and recreation systems. - DePalma’s prior involvement with TRAPS suggests continuity as much as change. - His background in funding strategy and public engagement may be especially relevant as Texas communities look for ways to build and improve recreation assets.

What's next: - DePalma will lead TRAPS as it works with members, staff and partners to broaden its reach and services. - The organization is likely to lean on his experience in advocacy, public engagement and nonprofit leadership as it continues serving parks and recreation professionals statewide.