APRA STAFF

APRA staff is here to help serve you, our valuable member! We are so pleased that you have chosen to commit your valuable time as a professional to the Park & Recreation industry. Staff play an essential role in the delivery of service to APRA members. Creating professional development and networking opportunities, member communications, website and event details, managing funds and ensuring the policies of the Association are followed. We are here to help you so don't hesitate to reach out anytime! The best way to reach us is via email as we are frequently out of the office attending meetings and events around the state, listed below you will find each staff members bio and contact information.

Kade is an accomplished professional with a background in recreation management and event coordination. He holds a Bachelor's degree in Parks, Recreation, Tourism, from the University of Utah and is a Certified Parks and Recreation Professional (CPRP). Kade has served in pivotal roles throughout his career in the private, nonprofit, and government sectors and is eager to apply his diverse skill-set to the role of Executive Director.

Prior to becoming the Executive Director, Kade served as the Young Professional Chair for the Arizona Parks and Recreation Association (APRA) and worked for the Town of Fountain Hills as the Senior Recreation Coordinator. He considers himself fortunate to have been a part of the incredible team there that won the National Gold Medal in Parks and Recreation in 2022. During his time in Fountain Hills his sport programs were recognized with APRA awards in both 2021 and 2022.

As an avid Arizona sports fan, you will find Kade rooting for the Valley and playing a variety of sports in his free time. Kade also loves to travel and explore new places with his wife and their one year old daughter. 

   Krista VanderMolen

   APRA Deputy Director

    Contact Krista 

As the Deputy Director for Arizona Parks and Recreation Association, Krista supports special projects, programming, daily operations, and membership.

She has enjoyed 17 years in education, serving as teacher, club sponsor, camp director, dean of students and assistant principal. She has taught and mentored hundreds of students as they navigated their way through academics, activities and the many social-emotional aspects of the high school experience. 

Krista considers herself a people-person with strong organizational skills and attention to detail, which served her well in her transition into municipal government. Prior to joining APRA back in 2018, Krista worked in Gila Bend as the Project Coordinator in Community Development working with homeowners, businesses and contractors to build a stronger Gila Bend and then as Director of Parks and Recreation, successfully engaging residents through well executed special events, celebrations and experiential play. 

Her educaton includes a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism with an emphasis in Public Relations, a Post-Baccalaureate degree in Secondary Education and a Master of Arts in Educational Leadership and Administration. 

Krista has a love for horticulture; currently designing her own small backyard oasis. She has a penchant and talent for all things DIY and hopes to one day open an Etsy shop.

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