EXECUTIVE BOARD

The NYSRPS Executive Board is a group of distinguished individuals from a varied background of park, recreation, and therapeutic professions, as well as commercial enterprises that serve park and recreational needs. This dedicated group oversees the interests of NYSRPS and works to protect and advance the interests of its constituents. 

2024 Annual Conference: NYSRPS Executive Board

NYSRPS Board is comprised of representatives from across New York State, elected by the NYSRPS membership.

Role and Responsiblites of the NYSRPS Board

New York State is divided into 3 regions (per bylaws) to provide full representation of park, recreation and therapeutic recreation professionals across New York State. Executive Board positions include: President, President-Elect, Past-President, two Vice Presidents (Programs and Services / Professional Development), Treasurer, Honorary Representative(s) and Regional Representatives.Two representatives from each region are asked to serve, each for 3-year terms. Regional representatives' terms are staggered in an effort to ensure each NY region is represented at all times. 

Region 1- Hudson Valley, Long Island, Metro and Westchester

Region 2- Central NY, Capital Region, Adirondack-Lake Champlain and North Country

Region 3- Genesee Valley and Niagara Frontier

NYSRPS 2024-2025 Executive Board

President - 1 Year term - Expires 2025

Paul Blake, Village of Garden City

108 Rockaway Avenue Garden City, NY 11530

(516) 465-4077 / Pblake@gardencityny.net

"I am extremely proud to have this position and look forward to helping make NYSRPS an even stronger and better society. Honest and open communication, a desire to work together to build a strong Board now and for the future are key concepts and I am willing to put in whatever time and effort is required to achieve that." -Paul Blake

Immediate Past President

Jason Marra, Great Neck Park District

65 Arrandale Avenue Great Neck, NY 11024

516-487-7665 / jmarra@gnparks.org

"As a dedicated professional with over 20 years of professional recreation and park experience, I will be committed to educating our state of the importance of parks and recreation and the professional development of our constituents." - Jason Marra

President-Elect 

Nick Berlin, Town of Perinton 
1350 Turk Hill Road, NY 14450
585-223-5050 / nberlin@perinton.org  

“I believe the society is in place to progress and advocate for our profession. As leaders of the profession we owe it to the ones who paved the way, the next generation, and ourselves to make sure we are staying on the cutting edge of innovation.” -Nick Berlin

Vice President of Professional Development - 2 Year Term - Expires 2025

Naomi Sosnowski, Town of Tonawanda

1 Pool Plaza, Buffalo, NY 14223

(716) 876-7424 / nsosnowski@tonawanda.ny.us

"I am passionate about professional growth and bringing people together. And I love this organization - I'm excited for the opportunity to grow our numbers and interest across the state." - Naomi Sosnowski

Vice President of Professional Development - 2 Year Term - Expires 2025

VACANT

Treasurer - 2 Year Term - Expires 2024

John Hirliman, City of Saratoga Springs
15 Vanderbilt Ave. Saratoga Springs, NY 12866
518-587-3550 /  john.hirliman@saratoga-springs.org

Secretary - 2 Year Term - Expires 2025

Jake Brigham, City of Binghamton 

38 Hawley Street, Suite 3 Binghamton NY 13901

607-772-7017 / jabrigham@cityofbinghamton.gov

Region I Representative - 3 Year Term - Expires 2026

Robert Kaczmarek, Town of Scarsdale

100 Post Road.  Scarsdale, NY 10583

914-722-1160 / rkaczmarek@scarsdale.com

Region I Representative - 3 Year Term - 2027

Christine Selback, Town of East Fishskill

"The value that I would bring is my passion for recreation and parks. This passion is not just a driving force in my professional life but also a guiding principle that fuels my commitment to creating vibrant, inclusive, and thriving communities across the state.” -Christine Selback

Region II Representative - 3 Year Term - Expires 2025

Leiko Kiggins, Onondaga County Parks

106 Lake Drive Liverpool, NY 13088

(315)435-5515 / LeikoKiggins@ongov.net

Region II Representative - 3 Year Term - Expires 2027

Nicole Woodcock, Town of Queensbury

Region III Representative - 3 Year Term - Expires 2025

Kathleen Laskey, Town of Pittsford

Region III Representative - 3 Year Term - Expires 2026

Elizabeth Graczyk

Town of Amherst

"I have extensive experience working in public service and the area of public policy. I hope to bring a fresh and innovative perspective to the group, combining my experience and knowledge, and love for parks and public spaces." -Elizabeth Graczyk

Honorary Representative -1 Year Term - Expires 2025

New York State Parks, Recreation & Historic Preservation

Yolanda Bostic Williams, New York State Parks, Recreation & Historic Preservation
625 Broadway Albany, NY 12207
518-474-1559 / Yolanda.BosticWilliams@parks.ny.gov

Honorary Representative -1 Year Term - Expires 2025

Commerical

Colin Drury, MyRec.com Recreation Software

Honorary Representative -1 Year Term - Expires 2025

Student

Samantha Arone