PA Recreation & Parks Society CEO Tim Herd Announces His Retirement

Tim Herd,  PA Recreation and Parks Society CEO, announced his retirement this week after a 49-year career in recreation and 10 years with PRPs.  

Herd issued this statement--

"With satisfaction for capping out a 39-year career, but regret for leaving the best part of it, I am announcing my retirement as of April 30, 2025.

"I am very grateful for the privilege to serve PRPS, its members, partners and stakeholders for the past 10 years-- and for the many good things we were able to accomplish together!

"It has been an honor to work with a great series of engaged Boards of Directors, who enabled us to succeed in our mutual aims. And I am particularly proud of the capabilities and camaraderie of the best administrative staff I've ever been privileged to be a part of.

"I plan to end well in the coming months, working to help the Board position PRPS for its next impactful era.

"Thanks for the honor of serving as your CEO!"

Some Of His Accomplishments

Tim Herd is a Certified Park and Recreation Executive (CPRE), and has been nationally recognized by the US Department of the Interior Take Pride in America Awards Program for his “commitment and exceptional contributions to the stewardship of America’s natural and cultural resources.”

Chief accomplishments in the field of recreation and parks include:

-- Originator of the first statewide Park and Recreation Professionals Day in 2019. In 2020, NRPA elevated the model to the national level for an annual third Friday of July observance.

-- Established the People, Parks and Community Foundation, and now serves as its Executive Director. Board member of the National Association of Park Foundations.

-- Team Leader of the Good For You, Good For All statewide marketing and branding campaign for Pennsylvania parks and recreation.

-- Founder of the PRPS Leadership Development Academy; Team Leader of the Pennsylvania Recreation and Conservation Leadership Summit. Editor of the Summit's five whitepapers.

-- Developed and instituted statewide Preschool Recreation Protocol; testified before House and Senate Committees on preschool recreation.

-- Team Leader for the development of The Park Maintenance Institute.

-- Team Leader, PRPS Governmental Affairs Committee, PA Registered Lobbyist. Organizer of the bipartisan, bicameral Park and Recreation Caucus in the PA General Assembly.

-- Commissioned state level white paper with strategies to advance the ideals of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Justice. Diversity + Inclusion Task Force member.

-- Developed Recreation & Park Facility Reopening Guidelines during the pandemic shutdown: consulted by the PA Governor's Office to develop Commonwealth guidelines.

-- He is an award-winning writer and broadcaster, and the author of seven books and countless published articles, features, and serial columns on leadership development, the benefits of parks, and connecting to nature. Read more here.

For more information on programs, initiatives, upcoming events and training opportunities, visit the PA Recreation and Park Society website.  Like them on Facebook,  Follow them on Twitter, visit their YouTube Channel, and find them on Instagram.  Click Here to support their work.

Resource Links:

-- DCNR Good Natured Pennsylvanians: Tim Herd, PA Recreation & Park Society

-- National Recreation & Park Assn. Blog: Life, Liberty And The Pursuit Of Recreation - By Tim Herd

-- Guest Essay: State Must Do More To Protect Parks, Trails And Waterways - By Tim Herd

-- Guest Essay: Open Pennsylvania Parks For Early Recovery From COVID - By Tim Herd

[Posted: October 4, 2024]  PA Environment Digest