FLICKINGER NAMED EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF IAPD

Dr. Theodore B. Flickinger, 35, since 1977 Great Lakes Regional Director for the National Recreation and Park Association, on March 1 became Executive Director of the Illinois Association of Park Districts. He fills the vacancy created in May, 1979, when Robert M. Artz was among those lost in the DC-10 crash in Chicago. Peter T. Trenchard has served as Acting Director since that time.

Flickinger brings a wealth of professional experience and expertise to the IAPD post. As Regional Director for NRPA he was heavily involved in giving testimony on legislation relating to park and recreation concerns, fund raising, providing technical assistance to state and local leisure service agencies, speaking at conferences, and writing articles concerning the challenges and opportunities for the park and recreation field.

Upon being named IAPD Executive Director Flickinger made the following statement:

The Illinois Association of Park Districts, for over half a century, demonstrated leadership for the enhancement of park and recreation services. Commissioners are the people's ambassadors to the managing authority. The commissioners devote time and expertise to parks and recreation legislation and services. These members amplify the public's opinion and exert tremendous influence in improving and expanding parks, recreation and leisure services.

I have found the IAPD Board of Directors to have a sincere interest and commitment to the value of parks and recreation. The commissioners represent ... an intelligent corps of citizen leaders . . .interested and concerned . . . influential and knowledgeable . . . and willing to give of their talents, skills, and resources— together—can do more than any other group to establish understanding, appreciation, and support for parks, recreation and conservation. . . .

I am looking forward to serving as the Executive Director of the Illinois Association of Park Districts. The challenge before us is to add our strength to yours . . . and your strength to ours for increased effectiveness. IAPD and IPRA, working together, will mean greater influence, more services, and brighter prospects for the future.

An Ohio native, Flickinger obtained both his B.S. and Master's degrees in recreation at Southern Illinois University-Carbondale, and his Ph.D. in parks and recreation administration from The Ohio State University. Prior to joining NRPA he taught on the School of Natural Resources faculty at Ohio State, served as the Director of Parks and Recreation for the city of Bexley, Ohio, and as Director of the West Frankfort, Illinois, Park District.

In 1979 Dr. Flickinger was appointed to the Board of Directors, Friends of the Parks, Chicago, and also was elected to the District 57 Board of Education in Mount Prospect. Past honors include serving as president of the Ohio Parks and Recreation Association, and being named to "Who's Who in Ohio." His professional memberships include the International Recreation Association, The Nature Conservancy, National Society for Park Resources, and American Park and Recreation Society.

I am pleased that at the January 18, 1980 meeting of the Board of Directors they unanimously approved the appointment of Dr. Ted Flickinger as permanent Executive Director of our Association. The search was long and hard and our thanks go to the committee who spent much time getting Ted to join us. It is evident in my conversations with Ted that he is well qualified, enthusiastic and excited about the position. With his leadership and an outstanding Board we will emerge from the catastrophe of 1979 stronger than ever.

Shortly we expect to announce the hiring of a new Director of Government Affairs/Lobbyist. We have seen much interest in this position.

While my stint as Acting Executive Director lasted considerably longer than expected, it was both challenging and fun. The challenge was in helping pick up the pieces after the tragic loss of Bob Artz. The fun came in seeing all the talented and very generous Board and staff cooperation. Everyone helped pull our organization together last year.

President Barbara Straus and President-Elect Robert Cole can be proud of the organization we have now. With their guidance, a very strong Board, competent and accomplished staff members, and a willing and responsive membership, the 1980s will be very successful.

I expect to spend much of my future in the golf business and in California and Wisconsin. Perhaps we will meet again. Thanks. It has been fun.

Illinois Parks and Recreation March/April, 1980 15

By now all members should have received the information on IPRA's mid-year Innovative Educational Happening which will be held April 27-29 in Decatur. The purpose of the "happening" is to provide educational sessions for the special interest areas of the association in a relaxed yet stimulating atmosphere.

In addition to the sessions planned by the sections, there will be tours of the excellent facilities in Decatur and three special management seminars. Topics for the management seminars are Persuasive Communication, Cultivating Your Creativity, and the Personal Profile System to Understand Yourself and Others Around You.

Cost for the Happening is $29.95 if paid before April 4 and this includes educational sessions, two evening meals and social events. Registration for the management seminars is $11.00. Conference headquarters is the Holiday Inn of Decatur where we have arranged special room rates. If you have not registered, please do so as early as possible.

The IPRA Board recently approved the publication of a new membership directory. This year's edition will include address and phone listing of park and recreation agencies (these will also include names of department heads), therapeutic and special recreation associations, universities, a phone directory listing of IPRA members, and general information about IPRA and its operation. We hope that the 1980 Directory will become a useful tool for all members. Copies will be mailed in late March. The Directory is for the exclusive use of members and their agencies and will not be sold to non-members.

The Affiliate Relations Committee has been hard at work compiling the Master Calendar of events. Part I of the calendar was printed in the first issue of UPDATE. We hope this will be useful to members in planning their activities for the year. The Legislative Committee has also been busy monitoring legislation. Because of their recent efforts, legislation which would be detrimental to park districts has been temporarily blocked. If called upon by that committee, we hope you will respond. All of us need to become aware of the legislative process and the legislation affecting us today.

On a closing note, I would like to welcome Ted Flickinger, the new Executive Director of IAPD. Both the IPRA Board and I are looking forward to working with him.

Illinois Parks and Recreation 25 March/April, 1980