With over four decades of leadership in parks, recreation, trails and higher education positions, Jodie Adams presents a unique set of skills as both a practitioner (past agency director) and an emeritus faculty member of a higher education institution. As a practitioner and educator, she strives to understand what both entities must fulfil as professionals serving the parks and recreation field. Adams has served on numerous AAPRA Committees over the last (18) years.
Below is a brief bio of her career and current/past state, national and international leadership positions:
• Missouri State University - Emeritus Faculty (2012-2021)
• Springfield-Greene County Park Board
Retired Director (1980-2012) Professional Leadership Roles:
• Fellow Member, American Academy for Parks and Recreation Administration (2007–Present)
• Past Chair, Gold Medal Awards Program Committee (2015–2020) and served on numerous
AAPRA committees (2007 through 2025)
• Past President / Board of Directors, National Recreation and Park Association (2001-2010),
National Development Committee (2022 - Present), NRPA Ambassadors (Present)
• Board of Directors, National Certification Board - (CPRP Certification)
• Board of Directors, National Association of County Parks and Recreation Officials (2009–2011)
• Board of Directors / National Committee Chair, United States
Tennis Association/US Open (1987–2017)
• United States Olympic Committee, Community Development Program
Delegate Member (2003-2012)
• Past President / Board of Directors, Missouri Parks and Recreation Association (2000–2008)
Certifications & Credentials:
• Certified Park and Recreation Professional (1998–Present)
• Certified Professional Pickleball l Teaching Professional (2019–Present)
American Academy for Park & Recreation Administration – 2025-26 Candidates
• Certified Professional Registry Tennis Teaching Professional (1991 - Present)
Co-Authored Publications:
• School-Parks: A Case Study of Best Practices
• Unified We Play
• Management of Park and Recreation Agencies
• CAPRA/NRPA Contributing Writer (2005, 2nd Edition)
Entrepreneurial Role:
• Co-Founder, Brio2 Solutions Consulting (2011-Present)
American Academy for Park and Recreation Administration Recognitions: President’s Award - (Parks Agency) Gold Medal Grand Plaque Award Recipient