Oak Brook IL – Laure Kosey, Executive Director at the Oak Brook Park District, has been elected as a Fellow of the American Academy for Park and Recreation Administration. Their induction was officially recognized during the Academy’s General Membership Meeting held on September 16th in Orlando, Florida.
The American Academy for Park and Recreation Administration is a prestigious organization comprised of leaders who have made significant and lasting contributions to the parks and recreation profession. Election to the Academy is a mark of high distinction. Candidates must have at least 15 years of leadership experience in a major park and recreation agency or serve as a respected educator in the field. Alternatively, they may manage a department representing an urban center of 200,000+. Fellows must also demonstrate exceptional service through writing, speaking, and leadership, and a strong commitment to advancing public parks and recreation.
Founded in 1980, the Academy is dedicated to strengthening the field of park and recreation administration. Its mission includes supporting research, promoting professional development, publishing scholarly work, and advocating for the vital role parks and recreation play in enhancing community well-being.
“The Class of 2025 is an outstanding addition to the Academy,” said President Cindie Sullivan of Miamisburg, Ohio. “We are proud to welcome Laure Kosey to our esteemed ranks. The Academy represents a diverse, accomplished group of professionals and educators devoted to improving quality of life through high-quality parks and recreation services.” For more information about the Academy, please visit www.aapra.org.
Laure L. Kosey, Ph.D., CPRE, has been the Executive Director at the Oak Brook Park District since 2010. Laure holds a B.A. in Financial Management and Marketing Management from the University of St. Thomas; a M.S. in Athletic Administration from St. Cloud State University, and received her Ph.D. in Curriculum Studies from DePaul University.
Laure has been a member of the National Recreation & Parks Association (NRPA) and the Illinois Parks & Recreation Association (IPRA) since 2000. Currently, she is on the IPRA Board of Directors. She was a past Chair of the Administration & Finance Section Board for IPRA and a member of the IPRA Diversity Leadership Task Force.
She was also a former Board of Regent in IPRA Leadership Academy, a mentor in the inaugural year of the IPRA ProConnect Mentorship Program and has presented at NRPA/IAPD/IPRA Conferences, Leadership Academy, Professional Development School, Supervisor Symposium, and the Facility Management Workshop.