NRPA aquatics leadership shines nationally - National Aquatics Branch - Brief Article

Parks & Recreation, April, 2003

Do you know where to go with your questions pertaining to high-quality aquatic programs and services? The National Recreation and Park Association, of course. But don't take our word for it. Aquatics International magazine, in cooperation with the United States Water Fitness Association, recently named the top 100 people in aquatics. NRPA's Doug Brenner, past president of the National Aquatics Branch, Lili McGovern, NRPA aquatics manager, and Shawn Derosa, NRPA Northeast regional director, were among those named.

Brenner's recent contributions are on the local and national level. "I was instrumental in instituting a voucher program that helped low-income children have better access to our swim lesson and recreation swims in Portland," he says. Brenner also serves on Oregon's Swimming Pool Advisory Committee.

McGovern says that the level of professionalism now in aquatics is equal to the highest degree in any area of parks and recreation she's experienced in the past 15 years. "Without a doubt, I'm most proud of the work we've done with the NRPA National Aquatic Conference and Management School and the Aquatic Facility Operator programs," she says.

Derosa, who was previously aquatic coordinator for the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Management, says, "Through NRPA speaking engagements, I've been able to raise awareness of safety and liability issues in aquatic management."