North Region Representative – Bobby Kieren

What motivates you to be a part of APRA Leadership?

My motivation to be part of APRA Leadership is the opportunity to collaborate more closely with fellow parks and recreation professionals and help create more connections across the state. I’m excited for the opportunity to take a larger role in the association, contribute my experience and perspective, and work alongside others to advance APRA’s mission.

 

What do you envision as the primary function of the position you are seeking and what skills do you have that most benefit the Association?

My understanding is that the North Region Representative serves as a liaison between APRA leadership and parks and recreation professionals throughout Northern Arizona. The role focuses on building and maintaining relationships, strengthening communication, and ensuring regional members feel connected, informed, and represented. The role also supports advocacy efforts and helps connect professionals across the region and the state.

 

What skills do you have that most benefit the Association?

Although I will always have more to learn, my experience across multiple levels of leadership and divisions within parks and recreation has provided me with a well-rounded understanding of the profession, its challenges, and its opportunities. This perspective allows me to connect with professionals from diverse backgrounds, understand varying agency needs, and look for opportunities for collaboration and growth. One of my greatest strengths is building and cultivating relationships and bringing people together. I believe these skills would benefit APRA by strengthening regional connections, creating opportunities for engagement, development, and advocacy that enhance the value APRA provides to its membership.

 

How do you plan to engage with members in your role on the board and what goals do you have to help improve the overall member experience?

I plan to continue building relationships with parks and recreation professionals, engaging not only as a fellow professional but also as a resource, advocate, and connector. My hope is to help strengthen communication and ensure members are updated, supported, and represented.

My goal is to foster a more connected, engaged, and supported experience for APRA members throughout the North Region. This includes expanding access to professional development through regionally hosted trainings, roundtables, and CEU opportunities that are accessible to professionals across Northern Arizona. These opportunities would also serve as a platform to strengthen engagement and networking among all regional agencies. Through these efforts, the focus is on bridging connections between communities and ensuring APRA members receive meaningful value, support, and options for professional growth, regardless of their location or agency size.