Texas Recreation and Park Society names Rich DePalma executive director

Texas Recreation and Park Society has appointed Rich DePalma as executive director after a nationwide search. The move brings a longtime parks, public affairs and nonprofit leader to the statewide organization as it expands education, advocacy and member services across Texas.

Why it matters: - Rich DePalma takes over leadership of Texas Recreation and Park Society at a time when parks and recreation agencies are navigating funding, public engagement and workforce needs. - The appointment gives TRAPS a leader with experience in public projects, nonprofit work and community partnerships across Texas. - TRAPS said the hire supports its focus on education, advocacy, professional development and member services statewide.

What happened: - Texas Recreation and Park Society announced the appointment of Rich DePalma as its new executive director on July 17, 2026. - The organization selected DePalma after a nationwide recruitment process. - The TRAPS Board of Directors unanimously chose DePalma to lead the society.

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 with FGM Architects. - At FGM Architects, DePalma 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 involved with TRAPS before the appointment. - He most recently served on the TRAPS Legislative Committee. - DePalma also 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 work with staff and partners to expand the value TRAPS provides. - DePalma currently serves as board president of the Barton Springs Conservancy and sits on the advisory board of Hispanic Professionals in Parks and Recreation. - His previous civic and nonprofit leadership includes vice chair of the City of Austin Parks and Recreation Board, president of the TreeFolks Board of Directors, board member of the Austin Parks Foundation 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 is a statewide professional organization focused on advancing quality of life in Texas through parks, recreation and leisure opportunities. - TRAPS supports parks and recreation professionals through education, professional development, advocacy, networking, leadership opportunities and the exchange of ideas and best practices. - More information is available on TRAPS' LinkedIn page.

Between the lines: - The appointment signals TRAPS wants a leader who already knows the organization and the broader Texas parks network. - DePalma's background blends design, public outreach and nonprofit leadership, which fits the organization's mix of professional support and public-facing advocacy. - His prior roles in Austin and with statewide groups suggest TRAPS is leaning on someone with both local and statewide credibility.

What's next: - DePalma is expected to lead TRAPS' work with members, staff and partners across Texas. - The society is likely to continue emphasizing education, advocacy and professional development under his leadership. - TRAPS may also build on DePalma's experience with funding, public engagement and community partnerships as it supports parks and recreation professionals.