Texas Recreation and Park Society names Rich DePalma as executive director

The Texas Recreation and Park Society has hired Rich DePalma as executive director after a nationwide search. The appointment brings a longtime parks, public affairs and nonprofit leader into one of Texas’ largest professional organizations for the field.

Why it matters: - DePalma takes over leadership of a statewide organization that supports Texas parks and recreation professionals through education, advocacy, professional development and member services. - His background in parks planning, public engagement and funding strategy could shape how TRAPS supports local communities and public projects across Texas.

What happened: - The Texas Recreation and Park Society announced July 17, 2026, that Rich DePalma is its new executive director. - The Board of Directors 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 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. - In that role, he worked with Texas communities 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 involved with TRAPS before his appointment. - He served on the TRAPS Legislative Committee and supported the society 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 said he is honored to serve as executive director and wants to listen to members and expand the value TRAPS provides to the profession and the communities it serves. - DePalma is board president of the Barton Springs Conservancy and 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, member of the Austin Parks Foundation Board of Directors and co-founder of Friends of Dick Nichols Park. - He has also served on public advisory bodies focused on sustainability, conservation, community development and public investment. - TRAPS is a statewide professional organization dedicated to advancing quality of life in Texas through parks, recreation and leisure opportunities. - The society says it supports professionals through education, professional development, advocacy, networking, leadership opportunities and the exchange of ideas and best practices. - More information is available on the organization’s LinkedIn page.

Between the lines: - The hire suggests TRAPS is choosing a leader with both policy-facing experience and deep ties to the Texas parks community. - DePalma’s mix of nonprofit, public-sector and consulting work points to an executive role that may emphasize coalition-building and resource development.

What's next: - DePalma is expected to lead TRAPS’ education, advocacy and member-service efforts across Texas. - His existing relationships with local governments, park advocates and professional groups may help TRAPS broaden its reach and influence.

The bottom line: - TRAPS is betting on a well-connected parks leader with Texas roots and broad public-sector experience to guide its next phase.