Jody L. Stowers, CPRP is the Director of Parks and Recreation, City of
Westerville Parks and Recreation Department in Westerville, Ohio. She has held
prior positions as the Superintendent of Recreation, Park s & Recreation
Department, Kettering, OH, (1986-96) and Adjunct Professor, University of
Dayton, Dayton, OH (1989-95).
Jody received his Master of Administration degree, from Central Michigan University (1990) and a Bachelor of Arts degree, in Recreation Administration, from Purdue University (1979). Her professional certifications include NRPA Benefits Trainer (1995-Present) and Visitor, Commission for Accreditation of Park and Recreation Agencies (1993-Present).
She has held positions in regional and national organization as Chair Elect, North Carolina State Supervisor Management School (2001); NRPA National Issues Action Committee (2001); Member, NRPA Great Lakes Regional Council (1990-present); Member, NRPA Board of Trustees, (1997-1998); Chair, NRPA Congress Program Committee (1997); Chair, NRPA Great Lakes Regional Council (1997); Board member, NRPA American Park and Recreation Society (1993-96); and President, OPRA Board of Directors (1991).
Jody has been the recipient of the OPRA Professional of the Year Leadership Award (1997); National Recreation and Park Association American Park and Recreation Society President’s Award (1994); National Gold Medal Award presented to the City of Kettering Parks and Recreation Department (1994; also finalist 1986, 1991-93); NRPA fitness City Awards (1993) and NRPA Excellence in Aquatics Award (1993), both presented to the City of Kettering; and the National Recreation and Park Association Robert W. Crawford Young Professional Award (1992).
In addition, she has had the opportunity to share his experiences by teaching at the University of Dayton and presenting almost fifty state, regional, and national conference sessions and workshops throughout the country on such topics as: passing tax issues, strategic planning, dealing with change, community center design and management, fees and charges policies, and citizen and employee involvement.