AAPRA Announces 2026 Young Professional Externship Program Recipients

Four Rising Leaders Selected for Premier Mentorship and Immersive Experience at the NRPA Conference in Philadelphia

This year’s recipients will embark on an immersive, real-world professional development experience at the upcoming National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) Annual Conference in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

The 2026 Young Professional Externship Recipients are:

• Geordie Emmanuel, CPRP, AFO – Recreation Supervisor, Town of Glastonbury, CT
• Sydney Paredes, CPRP – Recreation Coordinator, City of Schertz, TX
• Kelsey Paul, CPRP – Director of Parks and Recreation, West Manchester Township, York, PA
• Naomi Sosnowski, CPRP – Program Supervisor, Amherst, NY

Welcome Geordie, Sydney, Kelsey, and Naomi into the 2026 Externship cohort, " said Elizabeth Kessler, AAPRA President. "These four individuals have already demonstrated a remarkable commitment to their communities and the profession. By pairing their passion with direct access to the Academy’s network of seasoned leaders, we are not just investing in their careers; we are securing a bright future for the entire parks and recreation industry."

The 2026 Young Professional Externship Program is made possible through the generous and ongoing corporate sponsorship of Brandstetter Carroll Inc. Their steadfast support ensures that young leaders receive the tools, networking opportunities, and executive mentorship necessary to navigate the evolving landscape of public parks and recreation.

AAPRA extends its deepest gratitude to Brandstetter Carroll Inc. for its vital investment in the future of the industry and invites the entire parks and recreation community to join in celebrating this year’s exceptional recipients. For more information about the Young Professional Externship Program and to follow the recipients' journey, please visit the official program page https://lnkd.in/gPn-n7VB or visit https://aapra.org/Programs/Extern-Program.