​Overview of the Board

The Michigan Recreation and Park Association (mParks) Board of Directors consists of seven (7) members. Five are elected by the membership and two (2) are appointed by the President upon approval of the Board. The Executive Director for the organization serves as an ex-officio member of the Board. There are between four and six (4-6) in-person meetings per year and interim conference calls as needed.

Board Responsibilities
The Board of Directors is responsible for leading and governing our Association. Board roles and responsibilities include:

• Determining the Association’s mission and purpose.
• Ensuring effective long-term strategic planning exists to assure the Association remains relevant.
• Ensuring adequate resources and internal controls exist for safeguarding the Association’s assets.
• Determining, monitoring, and strengthening the Association’s programs/services, with attention to forecasting future needs of members and developing programs to address those needs.
• Enhancing the image and public standing of the Association.
• Enhancing the image and public standing of the parks and recreation industry.
• Ensuring legal and ethical integrity and maintaining accountability.
• Selecting, supporting, and assessing the performance of the Executive Director.
• Members of the Board of Directors serve in a volunteer capacity and are not compensated for their service or their travel to attend Board meetings. Board members are responsible for travel expenses to arrive at the meeting location. Board members are required to act within their authority, to exercise due care, and to observe fiduciary responsibilities in acting on behalf of the Association’s members and for the Association’s benefit.

Benefits of Serving

• Opportunity and responsibility to plan and shape the direction of mParks.
• Opportunity and responsibility to share business knowledge and apply professional and personal skills.
• Opportunity to practice and learn non-profit leadership and governance skills.
• Networking with leaders in the parks and recreation industry.
• Opportunity to work with Association staff on various projects and activities.
• Opportunity to work with industry partners to grow the parks and recreation industry.
• Opportunity to leave a legacy of sound leadership and management of your professional Association.

Eligibility
Persons eligible for office on the mParks Board include Agency, Professional, Vendor, and Affiliate Member categories.