Advisory Board

Our National Advisory Board consists of Allied Professionals who volunteer time quarterly to review our initiatives and convenings, share expertise and ideas, help guide our vision and mission direction, and also provide strong network outreach through their own social media, connections, and teaching/presentations. They are Thought Leaders in their realms, and help guide our collaborative aspects. All Board Members are appointed by the Operating Board for three year terms. Email Info@ActivEnviro.org to get involved in Boards or any initiatives.

Daniel Betts

Daniel Betts, President of NACPRO, is a seasoned public servant with two decades of executive leadership. His diverse experience spans higher education, the military, nonprofits, and government. Daniel excels in project management, strategic planning, and public/private partnerships. He has successfully led initiatives in urban environments like Chicago and Denver. With a Master's in College Student Personnel and an MBA, he passionately represents over 150 cities and municipalities in advancing parks and recreation nationally.

Andrew Bohannon, CPRP, AFO

Andy is the Parks, Recreation and Facilities Director for Keene, NH. He loves to provide leadership through best practices and coaching in recreation management. Andy's Department is responsible for community recreation programming, 16 parks, 8 miles of multiuse trails, and 9 cemeteries, providing quality maintained facilities, and youth services to city and county residents. Andy also volunteers for the NH Recreation and Parks Association, NRPA, and a variety of other organizations. In 2021 he completed the Learning Leadership Exchange for Equity – Endowment for Health, and he's also taught for Keene State College. He brings a strong background in programming, events, and sponsorships.

Jo Burns, MS, CTRS

Denver-based professional Jo Burns, with 25+ years in parks, recreation, and public health, leads Jo Burns Connects LLC, emphasizing organizational engagement. Co-founder of the Colorado Public Health|Parks and Recreation Collaborative, she's a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist and dynamic public speaker. Awarded the President’s Award from the Colorado Recreation and Park Association, Jo actively contributes to committees and holds degrees in Business Administration, Psychology, and an MS in Recreation and Leisure. A National Speaker Association-Colorado Speaker Academy graduate, she's passionate about outdoor activities with her spouse, Brian, and their two children.

Justin Cutler, MPA, CPRE

Justin Cutler, Director of Recreation Services for Seattle, focuses on diversity and community partnerships, enhancing programs for underserved communities. A leader in continuous improvement, he connects health care with local parks through chronic disease management programs, earning a spot on the National Recreation & Parks Association Advisory Board for Health & Wellness. With a background in diverse recreation roles, Justin, a Washington State University graduate, holds a Master's in Public Administration from Portland State University. Passionate about leadership and public service, he actively contributes to professional associations, presenting at conferences on parks and recreation topics.

Maureen Dougherty, PhD

Founder of "Let’s Go with Dr. Mo, LLC" since 2016, Dr. Mo specializes in training, consulting, and keynotes, focusing on team building. Actively engaged with the Maryland Recreation and Parks Association, she contributed to the Leadership Institute and Training Committee for four years. With a Ph.D. from WVU, her research centers on women's empowerment in the outdoors. A recipient of the Presidential Award of Mentor Emeritus, Dr. Mo is committed to educating, engaging, and entertaining, fostering teamwork with fun. Based in Frederick, Maryland, she enjoys outdoor activities with her husband, John, and their two adult children, Maddie and Bryce, and their dog, Murphy. Let's Get "Revved Up" and Go with Dr. Mo!

Chris Dropinski, CPRE

Chris Dropinski, CPRE, recently retired, brings over 45 years of parks and recreation expertise. With a focus on strategy, leadership, and organizational development, she previously served in a consulting role as Senior Manager at BerryDunn and Business Owner and Senior Principal at GreenPlay, LLC. With over 24 years in Parks and Recreation administration in the field, including 12 as the Director of the City of Boulder, Colorado, Parks and Recreation Department. Chris is a fellow of the American Academy for Park and Recreation Administration. As an experienced administrator and consultant, she continues to volunteer through leadership positions in various non-profit organizations, ensuring the relevance of parks and recreation in a dynamic environment.

Daniel Hernandez

Currently Director of one of the 20th most populous and most diversified agencies in the United States encompassing facilities and programs over nearly 7,900 square miles. Dan has presented at both state and national conferences on topics including professional growth, partnerships, ethics and creative revenue programming and events. Graduate and former Regent and Program Chair of NRPA Marketing and Revenue Sources Management School in LaJolla, CA. Over 37 years in the field of Parks, Recreation and Community Services with 29 of those years as Department head. Parks and Recreation is just not a career, it's a lifestyle.

Sheema Hai, CPRP

Sheema Hai, a Certified Park and Recreation Professional with a degree in Recreation and Park Management, has diverse experience in event planning, consulting, and education. Her expertise spans organizational development, strategy, policy management, fundraising, research, and cultural competency. She actively contributes to the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion paradigm, creating and presenting trainings at state and national conferences. Pursuing certifications in grant writing and DEI from the University of South Florida, she co-chairs the Maryland Recreation and Parks Social Justice, Racial Equity, and Inclusion committee. An avid coffee enthusiast, Sheema enjoys family time, exploring hiking trails, and engaging in relaxing activities like reading, writing, and coloring.

Sidney Kittila, CPRP

Sid Kittila, CPRP, brings 17 years of dedication to her role as Park Supervisor at Collier County Parks and Recreation since 2006, joining our National Advisory Board. Passionate about community well-being, Sid has played a pivotal role in fostering outdoor spaces that promote recreation and togetherness. Her leadership, collaboration, and empowerment in parks and recreation have significantly impacted individuals, families, and communities. Sid's commitment to enhancing the well-being of the community is evident throughout her noteworthy journey.

Eric Legg, PhD, CPRP

Eric Legg, an Assistant Professor in the School of Community Resources of Development and affiliate faculty at the Global Sport Institute, Arizona State University, specializes in researching and publishing on communities' creation and sustainability of recreational sport programs, particularly focusing on positive youth development. With prior experience at Arlington County Parks and Recreation, he founded the community sport organization "Tennis on the Hill" and contributes as a member of the national nominating committee for the United States Tennis Association.

Alexi McHugh

Currently a Service Corps & The John W. Ryan Fellow at the O’Neill School of Public and Environmental Affairs at Indiana University. Pursuing a Master of Public Affairs Degree with a Concentration in Public Management. Formerly, among other things, a Permanent Park Ranger with the National Park Service based out of Rock Creek Park, with a focus on diversity, recruitment, and engagement.

Sylvie Rokab, MA

Sylvie, a filmmaker and Nature Therapy Guide, blends her passion for nature with a 25-year filmmaking career, earning Emmy nominations and awards. Notable for LOVE THY NATURE, narrated by Liam Neeson, she pioneers view-and-do events, integrating film with activities. Certified in Nature Therapy, she leads workshops fostering healing and transformation. A multilingual speaker and mindfulness teacher-in-training, Sylvie aims to awaken individuals to their deepest nature, promoting healing, joy, and environmental protection.

Lakita Frazier, CPRP

Lakita Frazier, is a Senior Consultant for BerryDunn. Prior to that she was Executive Director for Richland County, SC Recreation Commission, and began her journey in Parks and Recreation as a part-time recreation leader in 1994. Progressing through various supervisory and management roles, she became the Director in Suffolk, VA, achieving notable milestones such as CAPRA Accreditation and securing significant grant funding. Lakita continues her commitment to the field. A respected speaker at state and national conferences, she also lectures at Old Dominion University, leads the Women in Parks and Recreation (WiPAR) Group, and actively contributes to the National Recreation and Park Association.

Debbie Woodbury, CPRP

Debbie is a Visionary Leader, Certified Parks and Recreation Professional, National Speaker, and a Racial Equity Advocate.

Debbie is an accomplished recreation program manager with over 10 years experience overseeing the implementation of community and city-wide programs for youth and adults. She brings extensive background in diversity and equity, hiring, training and supervising recreation program staff. She is also highly skilled in budget preparation, analysis and appropriation of program funds.

Chris Cares, MPA

Chris Cares, co-founder of RRC Associates, is a seasoned professional with 20+ years in public and private planning and market research. He was co-founder and on the GP RED Operating Board from 2009-2023, serving as President from 2011-2023. Specializing in surveys, modeling, and public outreach, he has shaped design and marketing strategies for major resorts and developer clients. His expertise extends to community development programs, housing assessments, and organizational performance improvement through customer feedback programs. With degrees from the University of Rochester and Harvard University, Chris plays a key role in diverse industries and has been integral in GP RED.

Donna Kuethe, CPRP

Ms. Kuethe has been a passionate park and recreation professional for almost 40 years. She long served as the Recreation Director for the Town of Moultonborough, NH, and was the Executive Director for ActivEnviro (formerly GP RED) from 2019 - 2023. She has also been a tireless advocate, educator, and organizer at the local, state, and federal levels. She was the initial creator of the Operation Recreation Response (ORR) Project in New England, now an ActivEnviro initiative. Donna brings a wide variety of experiences, as well as a fierce passion for the power and impact of public parks and recreation.

Daniel Hatcher

Daniel Hatcher is the Senior Director of Strategic Partnerships at the Alliance for a Healthier Generation where he has served since 2008. During his time at Healthier Generation, Daniel developed and led a national youth advisory board and helped create afterschool standards for healthy eating and physical activity. A nationally recognized workshop facilitator, he has spoken at education and youth development conferences in over 35 states and Canada. Previously, Daniel served as Director of Outreach at Youth Service America where he supported a youth advisory council and helped organize Global Youth Service Day. Daniel has a BA in International Relations and a Master of Public Health, both from Western Kentucky University. In 2022, Daniel was certified in Mental Health First Aid and became a certified Nature and Forest Therapy Guide.

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