Edward J. Koenemann retired in 1998 after seventeen years of service as the Director of Vermont State Parks. Other positions he held included Director of Planning Division, Vermont Agency of Environmental Conservation (1974-1980); Vermont Director of Recreation (1968-1974); Superintendent of Parks, Evansville, IN (1966-1968); Supervisor of Fulltime Centers, Public Recreation Commission, Evansville, IN; (1961-1966) and Recreation Specialist, Vermont of Recreation (1958-1961). He served as a part-time instructor and adjunct professor at Lyndon State College, Johnson State College, and the University of Vermont for 26 years.
He received his B.S. degree in Recreation (1957) and his M.S. degree in Recreation (1958) both from Indiana University. Some of his professional affiliations included: Vermont Recreation and Park Association; Vermont Association of Physical Education and Sports; National Recreation and Park Association; American Alliance of Health, Physical Education, Recreation, and Dance; Association of Northeast State Park Directors; National Association of State Park Directors; National Society for Park Resources; American Recreation Society; American Institute of Park Executives; American Park and Recreation Society; and American Academy for Park and Recreation Administrators. He is a Charter Member of the National Recreation and Park Association.
He served on the following Boards and Councils: Indiana Park and Recreation Association (1967); New England District Council of NRPA (1968-1971); National Council of NRPA (1969-1974 and 1981-1985); American Park and Recreation Society (1976-1978); National Society for Park Resources (1981-1985); Vermont Certification Board (1984-1997); National Association of State Park Directors (1985-1987); National Council on Accreditation (1986-1989); Park and Recreation Maintenance Management School (1986-1989 and 1991-1994); NRPA Board of Trustees (1989-1994).
His professional leadership positions included: New England Regional Council of NRPA Chair (1973-1974 and 1985-1986); National Society for Park Resources President (1990-1992); Park and Recreation Maintenance Management School Board Chair (1993-1994); Association of Northeast State Park Directors President (1992-1997); National Association of State Park Directors President (1993-1995); National Recreation and Park Association President (1993-1994).
His honors and awards include: Vermont Recreation Society Citation For Service (1961); Special Citation for Distinguished Service, New England Regional Council of NRPA (1977); Theresa S. Brungardt Award for Outstanding Service, Vermont Recreation and Park Association (1981); Founder's Award for Meritorious Service, National Society for Park Resources (1986); Garrett G. Eppley Alumni Recognition Award, Indiana University (1986); Distinguished Service Award, National Association of State Park Directors (1992); Cornelius Amory Pugsley State Medal, National Park Foundation (1995); Willard W. Patty Distinguished Alumni Award, Indiana University (1996); "Legends" Honor, American Academy for Park and Recreation Administrators (2000); and "Conservation Hero" Recognition, National Park Service.