Teresa (Terry) Rynard is the Director of the Kansas City, Missouri, Parks and Recreation Department, appointed in 2019, becoming the 8th Director in 127-years and the first female in the history of the Department with over 30 years of experience. Terry began working with the department in 1987, working her way up through the ranks. Terry’s jobs included being an Equipment Operator, Area Superintendent, Assistant Park Superintendent and Deputy Director.
Terry holds an Executive Master of Public Administration Degree from the University of Missouri, Kansas City and a BA in Social Studies and Education from William Jewell College. She completed studies in the Mid-Level Labor Management Leadership Training Program at Rockhurst College.
Terry served on the Board of Regents of the Rocky Mountain Revenue School from 2001 – 2005 and chaired in 2005; a member of the National Recreation and Parks Association (NRPA) since 1996 and was the National Congress Coordinator in 1996; served on NRPA America Parks & Recreation Society Board of Directors from 1999- 2002; a member of the Missouri Parks and Recreation Association (MPRA) since 1996 and chaired the Partnerships and Alliances Committee from 1999-2001.
Ms. Rynard’s community involvement includes: The United Way, Leadership Circle, St. Anthony’s Parish Council, St. Gabriel School Board, Youth basketball coach, Cliff Drive Scenic Byway Committee and the National Center for Indigenous People.
Ms. Rynard's professional boards include: The National World War One Museum at Liberty Memorial, Starlight Theatre Association, Friends of the Zoo and Ronald McDonald Boards.
Her husband Matthew currently works for the Aviation Department. She has two daughters, Alex and Erin and one son Daniel Joseph and two grandchildren, Eli and Annabel. In Teresa Rynard’s spare time she enjoys spending time with friends and family.\r\n