Don Henkel was fortunate to be in the right place at the right time. As Director of Professional Services for the National Recreation and Park Association for 24 years, he was an active participant in moving parks and recreation from a fledgling field towards the status of a profession. He facilitated and managed the implementation of standards and procedures for academic preparation and professional practice. Don served as Staff Liaison to the National Council on Accreditation (COA) from its inception in 1974 until his retirement in 1991. He also served as Staff Liaison to the National Registration Board from 1973 to 1981, and subsequently with the National Certification Boars (NCB) until his retirement. In these capacities, he worked with many outstanding professionals, including David Gray who served as COA's first Chair. Dean Tony Mobley and Don collaborated in an 8-1/2 year successful effort to gain recognition by the National Council on Postsecondary Accreditation (COPA), the first recognition of its kind. The NCB certification plan incorporated the vital principle of continuation of education. Working with Bob Toalson and Doug Sessoms, Don helped develop the first national certification examination. Don also coordinated all education programs and General Sessions for 24 years for the NRPA National Congresses. Working with Joe Bannon, he initiated NRPA's electronic information system following a 2-1/2 year endeavor. He and Charlie Hartsoe initiated NRPA's Archive project to organize and preserve significant records of park and recreation national organizations. Don had many other responsibilities with NRPA including Executive Secretary of the Society of Park and Recreation Educators, Staff Liaison for Trustee Professional Development, Research and Library Committees, Managing Editor for the Journal of Leisure Research, employment services and national internship coordinator. He was honored as the first NRPA staff person to receive the National Distinguished Professional Award.

Prior to his employment with NRPA, he initiated full time park and recreation programs as Director in Loveland, Colorado and Villa Park, Illinois. In Villa Park, he coordinated two successful referenda. Don earned a PhD from the University of Illinois in Leisure Studies, and MA in Community Recreation from George Williams College.

In his professional career, he has had the fundamental belief in the value of rigorous standards properly developed, continuously reviewed, and revised as necessary. This is the base upon which a professional applies his or her unique skills and human attributes. He considers his personal leisure as a rare treasure to be used abundantly and creatively.

Back to Membership List