Philip K. Mcknelly is the Director, N.C. Division of Parks and Recreation (1989 - present). Previously he served as Superintendent for State Parks, N.C. Division of Parks and Recreation (1985-86); Chief, Environmental Education and Outdoor Recreation Branch, TVA - Land Between the Lakes (1979-85); Assistant/Associate Professor, Department of Recreation Resources Administration, N.C. State University (1973-79); Recreation Specialist, Arkansas Planning Commission (1967-69); and Assistant Director, Springdale Youth Center, Springdale, Arkansas (1965-67).
Mcknelly received his B.S. and M.Ed. From the University of Arkansas and his Ph.D. from Texas A&M University (1973).
Among his other activities, Mcknelly has served as the President, National Association of State Park Directors (2001 to present); Vice President, National Association of State Park Directors (1999-2001);
Vice-chair, Association of Southeastern State Park Directors (1997); Board of Directors, National Association of State Park Directors (1996-present); Director, Parks and Recreation Maintenance Management School, Oglebay Park, Wheeling, West Virginia (Co-sponsored by N.C. State University and the National Recreation and Park Association) (1996-present); and Board of Directors, National Association of State Outdoor Recreation Liaison Officers (1994-2000).
He was elected to the American Academy for Park and Recreation Administration (1997) and has received the Fellow Award from the North Carolina Recreation and Parks Society.