New NASPD leadership team named at annual conference

AUSTIN— The National Association of State Park Directors (NASPD) has named a new leadership team to help guide the organization into the future.

South Carolina State Parks Director Paul McCormack is the new president of NASPD, Texas State Parks Director Rodney Franklin is the new vice president, and Delaware State Parks Director Ray Bivens is the new secretary.

“We are fortunate to have very strong and experienced leaders provide strategic guidance to NASPD,” said Lewis Ledford, NASPD executive director. “Paul, Rodney and Ray are well-respected among their peers and will help to enhance the profile of our organization and the importance of state parks in American life.”

Rodney Franklin was named director of Texas State Parks in 2018. He has more than 30 years of service, rising through the ranks from seasonal employee to park management and leadership roles. He believes state parks are important for everyone, regardless of their background or experience in nature, because of the mental, physical and emotional benefits of time spent in the outdoors.

“I am honored to serve with such esteemed colleagues like Paul and Ray to support NASPD,” Franklin said. “NASPD is dedicated to introducing and connecting people nationwide to the outdoors, and I am proud to represent the great state of Texas in this organization.”

As director of Texas State Parks, Franklin oversees a workforce of about 1,350 employees who proudly protect and manage the more than 640,000 acres that comprise the state parks system in Texas.  State parks represent Texas’ principal gateway to the outdoors where more than 9 million visitors discover adventures in hiking, camping, fishing and countless other outdoor pursuits every year.

NASPD is made up of state park directors from all 50 states working to help state parks effectively manage their state park system. With more than 9,800 park areas encompassing more than 20 million acres, America’s state parks see more than 860 million visits every year. State parks across the country positively contribute to the nation’s environment, heritage, health and economy.

For more information on recreational opportunities at state parks in all 50 states, visit stateparks.org.