Every office needs some sass, and Julie Boland definitely brings a dose of fun and spark to NRPA’s headquarters. A former recreation supervisor and park and recreation director from Indiana, Boland recently earned a promotion after six years as NRPA’s certification manager, and she now serves as the association’s senior manager of membership. A 10-year CPRP holder with both a recreation education and several years of work in the field, Boland’s experiences help her strongly identify with the NRPA members she serves, and her passion for the field is evident in her dedication to members’ professional development and education.

Parks & Recreation Magazine: How did you initially develop an interest in conservation and recreation that led to your college studies in this area?

Julie Boland: I started developing an interest at a very young age. Our family vacations often involved visiting many of the national, state and local parks throughout the United States. These adventures led to my fascination with the great outdoors and eventually to my pursuit of a degree in forest recreation from Purdue University.

P&R: In what ways did your experiences working as a recreation supervisor and parks director for municipal agencies in Indiana prepare you for your work supporting this field at NRPA?

Boland: I believe my past experiences help me better understand and communicate how park and recreation agencies operate, the challenges they face and how I can assist as an NRPA staff member. 

P&R: Based on your almost six years as the certification manager at NRPA, why do you think certifications are critical for the professionals in this field? 

Boland: I strongly believe that professional certification can highlight the level of professionalism demonstrated by individuals in our field. Professional certification can assist us with overcoming the unavoidable, “Oh, I bet that is a fun job.” While it is a fun career, most professionals in the field work very hard for their agencies and the communities they serve. 

P&R: What has been the biggest change in your recent promotion to senior manager of membership?

Boland: While I used to serve individuals who were seeking professional certification, I am now serving agencies and individuals who are seeking to advance not only their career, but also their agencies and the profession as a whole. 

P&R: What are you most excited about in your new role, and what changes do you hope to make to better serve the membership in this position?

Boland: I love the new adventure. I look forward to working with the members directly and continuing to build the national association’s foothold in the advancement of parks and recreation. I am not sure that I am looking to specifically make changes as much as I am looking to review what we currently offer from a different perspective. I don’t want to be complacent with what is, but rather actively pursue what could be. I eagerly await the challenges that are before me.

P&R: What are some things most people don’t know about you?

Boland: Hmm…. I ran the Chicago Marathon in college, and I rowed crew for my school during that time. I also worked as a volunteer firefighter for a short time before becoming the parks director in a different town.

Boland and her husband, Brian, live in the Blue Ridge Mountains of West Virginia with Sparky, their beloved Corgi/terrier mix. In her free time, Boland and her husband focus on spoiling Sparky and enjoying time with family and friends. She has also recently ventured into landscaping the green space around her home and is looking for tips! She can be reached via email. 

Danielle Taylor is the Executive Editor of Parks & Recreation Magazine.