The Nominating Committee is pleased to present the slate of candidates for the 2024-2026 mParks Board of Directors.

President-Elect

• Kyle Langlois - Parks and Recreation Director, City of Sterling Heights (PROFILE) (VIDEO)

Board Member at Large:

• Ashton Anthony - Deputy Director, City of Kalamazoo (PROFILE) (VIDEO)
• Lisa Bryant - Community Engagement Coordinator, Detroit River International Wildlife Refuge (PROFILE) (VIDEO)
• Mary Patay - Recreation Director, City of Mackinac Island (PROFILE) (VIDEO)
• LaReina Wheeler - Director of Parks & Recreation, City of Ferndale (PROFILE) (VIDEO)

This final slate has been reviewed and approved for distribution to membership by Nikki McEachern, current Secretary/Treasurer. The electronic ballot will be sent to voting mParks members on Thursday, May 23, 2024. Voting will close at 5:00 pm on Friday, June 7, 2024. The official announcement of election results will be on/or before Friday, June 14, 2024.

President-Elect

• The term of office for President-Elect begins in August 2024.
• The successful candidate will assume the office of President in August 2026.
• The term will continue in an ex-officio capacity as immediate Past President for two years beginning in August 2028.
• Duties of this position include the selection of the 2027 and 2028 Conference Chairs, serving in the absence of the President, working with the Board to establish priorities for the Association, and fiscal oversight of the Association.

Board Member at Large 

• The two-year term begins in August 2024 and continues until August 2026. 
• Duties of this position include working with the Board of Directors to establish priorities for the Association, fiscal oversight, and representation of the membership at large.
• Each Board Member at Large serves as a liaison to two of the four mParks Committee: Public Policy, Professional Development, Professional Recognition, and Diversity, Equity & Inclusion.

Election Timeline

• Candidate Interest Forms will be accepted April 15 to May 17, 2024.
• By May 21, 2024, the Nominating Committee will present a proposed slate to the Secretary/Treasurer for approval.
• On May 22, 2024, the Secretary/Treasurer shall authorize the distribution of the official ballot to the eligible voting members.
• Voting will close at 5:00 pm on June 7, 2024.
• The official announcement of election results will be on/or before June 14, 2024. 
  
  

Nominating Committee Members

Past President Jeff Muck, Secretary/Treasurer Nikki McEachern, and Board Members at Large LaReina Wheeler and Greg Morris.

If you have any questions or need any additional information, please e-mail info@mParks.org.

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.