October marks the end of the first year NRPA has been governed under the combined chair and president position. Before 2011, the association’s board of directors was jointly led by a chair and a president. A multi-year reorganization to streamline the board and make it more effective led to the combining of positions last year under the title of chair. At the same time, NRPA Chief Executive Officer Barbara Tulipane assumed the title of President/CEO. In this interview, Robert C. Johnson, Jr., reflects on his year as 2012 Chair.
Johnson, who has been on the board for six years, is a resident of Overland Park, Kansas. His work over the years on behalf of parks and recreation includes serving as commissioner with the Blue Valley Recreation Commission (twice as chair) and active membership in the Kansas Recreation and Park Association. He has won numerous awards and distinctions including KRPA’s award for Distinguished Commissioner in 2009 and the Midwest Region Citation for Outstanding Service in April 2010.
On the NRPA Board, Johnson served on a variety of committees and was the chair of the investment committee. Currently, he is senior vice president of insurance brokerage company Willis of Greater Kansas, Inc.
What has the first year of the merged NRPA President and Chair positions been like for you?
I would suspect it’s been a lot like it was for past Chairs and Presidents. We have evolved as a board and under the leadership of President/CEO Barbara Tulipane, so it made a lot of sense to combine the positions.
How has your experience been as a citizen advocate in the field’s top leadership position? What did you learn from working on behalf of park and recreation professionals?
It has been a terrific experience for me. It has really reinforced my opinion that this profession has the most passionate people in it. It has reinforced and strengthened my beliefs that parks and recreation is the backbone, the foundation of our communities.
What are you most proud of from your tenure on the board of directors? Is there anything you would do differently?
We have continued to grow and strengthen our position. We are financially sound, which is quite an accomplishment, given the last several years, and a tribute to the leadership of our Treasurer, Bob Farnsworth. I am proud of the growth and development of our CEO/President and staff. This year, Barbara was involved in a serious accident, and our staff stepped up to meet the needs of our members. The introduction of the PRORAGIS research database program and the Premier membership program are game changers. Finally, I had the opportunity to meet and visit with others around the country—we have some tremendous, talented members who take NRPA to new heights. We have a fantastic future.
What advice do you have for citizen advocates interested in getting involved at the national level?
Do it. When asked, step up—you’ll enjoy every moment and meet the best people.
How will you continue to stay involved in advocating for parks and recreation?
Good question. Honestly, it’s one I haven’t thought much about. I have spent the past 25 or so years volunteering in parks and recreation. There are many talented people, much more so than I—people who, if asked, will become involved. So, I want to make sure there is an opportunity for them. Perhaps it’s time for me to be more a user of parks and recreation.
Any parting thoughts?
I have been extremely blessed to be involved at the levels that I have with parks and recreation. It has been an honor and very humbling to have not only served on the Board, but as Chair. I want to thank everyone who has helped, encouraged, and believed in me. I also want to thank all of you in the profession for what you do every day. You make all of our lives better.