Chief Operating Officer -
Ann has been involved with the Michigan Recreation and Park Association as an active member since 1979; she served as Association Vice President in 1988 and 1993, and as Association President in 1989 and 1999. A 30 year veteran of the park and recreation field, she assumed an administrative role with MRPA in 2011 following ten years as the Director of Canton Leisure Services. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Community Recreation from Central Michigan University, as well as the Certified Parks and Recreation Professional (CPRP) designation.
Program Manager -
Justin joined MRPA in September 2008 after having served as the Community Education Director for Charlotte Public Schools. He also worked as a Recreation Coordinator for Burlington Parks & Recreation in Vermont and as a Recreation Programmer for Novi Parks & Recreation after receiving his bachelor's degree in Recreation Management & Policy from the University of New Hampshire. Justin manages MRPA statewide programs and serves as the staff liaison to several committees. He currently resides in Williamston with his wife and three children.
Content Manager –
Alison joined the staff of MRPA in October 2012. She has previous work experience in corporate administration and human resources. She holds a bachelor’s degree in English from Michigan State University and a master’s degree in Literature from Eastern Michigan University. Alison has a passion for research, creativity, and organization; her responsibilities at MRPA include website content management for MRPAonline.org and partner organizations. When she's not in front of the computer, Alison spends her time learning new things, traveling, home remodeling, and being outdoors.
Administrative Assistant -
Maia started at MRPA in July of 2014. She has previous work experience in social and human services. Maia has a Bachelor’s of Science in Human Development and Family Studies from Michigan State University. She is currently working towards her Master’s Degree of Clinical Social Work at MSU. Maia enjoys volunteering and taking her two rambunctious dogs for walks. Maia is the coordinator for the Municipal Golf Trail, the Metro Detroit Amateur Softball Association program, and other projects around the MRPA office.
Operations Coordinator -
Kristin joined MRPA in July of 2014. She previously worked at the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR), where worked as a Summer Ranger and Recreation Programming Assistant while pursuing her Bachelor’s degree. Her experience at the DNR made her realize her passion for outdoor activities. It also gave her the opportunity to learn about the endless opportunities and resources available at parks across the State. Kristin is an outdoor enthusiast who has a great interest for health and fitness. Kristin earned her degree in Marketing from Lake State Superior University. During her time at LSSU, she was highly involved in campus and community events, particularly Relay for Life and Run for the Law, an individual non-profit she created. She looks forward to spending time in her new community and gearing up for MSU football games. Her responsibilities at MRPA include membership renewals, marketing activities, and quality customer service.
Special Projects -
Jess has been a familiar face at MRPA for many years. In 2014, she once again joined the team to assist with special projects, grant proposal writing, media outreach, and the weekly eblast.
Special Projects Coordinator -
Donna joined the MPRA staff in late 2104 as the Special Projects Coordinator. She manages the grant from the Michigan Health Endowment and helps on trails initiatives. Donna has been involved in natural resource and recreation for 40 years, 30 of which were at the Department of Natural Resources where she served in a variety of positions including as the Legislative Liaison, Policy Coordinator, Assistant to the Natural Resources Deputy Director and program manager in Parks and Recreation Division. She also worked for the Michigan legislature and for Governor Granholm. She and her husband are avid outdoor enthusiasts enjoying winter and summer outdoor activities. Most weekends find her enjoying the amazing lakes of northern Michigan, paddling the Sturgeon River or riding her bike on the trails in the “tip of the mitt.”
Field Coordinator -
Ann recently joined the MRPA staff to serve as the field coordinator for the grant from the Health Endowment Fund. Ann is an avid fitness and outdoor enthusiast. She was the Fitness Director at the Downtown Lansing YMCA for 10 years and then worked as a Community Center Programmer with Lansing Parks and Recreation for 10 years. Ann recently worked as the Intervention Coordinator at Michigan State University on the Girls on the Move grant focusing on helping middle school age girls become more active. In her free time, Ann loves to camp, fish and bike with her husband and two daughters.