Welcoming New WRPA Board Members
Each year, we welcome new members to the WRPA Board of Directors at the Annual Conference & Tradeshow. The Board of Directors is the governing body of our association and is responsible for the supervision, control, and direction of WRPA. These Board members are elected by you, the members, during an annual election.
The following WRPA members have been elected to join the board:
- Vice President
- Regional Director
- At-Large Directors
WRPA Vice President Candidate
The WRPA Vice President serves a four-year term, assisting the President and President-Elect with all association business. They become acquainted with the activities of the corporation and the duties of the President in preparation for assuming the presidency. (The person in this position automatically advances to become WRPA President-Elect and then WRPA President.)
Keisha Taylor, City of Auburn
Education:
Bachelors of Science | Community & Therapeutic Recreation | Minor – Communication
Job History:
Equity, Engagement, and Outreach Program Manager, City of Auburn Recreation Coordinator, City of Auburn Regional Coordinator, City of Raleigh Recreation Specialist, City of Morrisville Sports Director, The Y
WRPA Involvement:
Director At-Large | 2024 - Present Programmers Network Chair | 2023-2024
Why do you want to serve on the WRPA Board of Directors?:
I'm currently serving on the board and thoroughly enjoyed being apart of the strategic planning. I would like to continue on the board to continue to learn and serve in a different role.
Describe the contributions you feel you can make as a member of the WRPA leadership team:
Keisha is an experienced community engagement and recreation professional with over a decade of experience in program development and leadership. Currently serving as the Equity, Engagement & Outreach Program Manager for the City of Auburn, Keisha believes in equality for all. Keisha has previously held the position of Recreation Coordinator for Teens, and has a diverse background that includes roles in the YMCA and various municipal governments such, as Sports, Aquatics, Youth and Teen Programming. Keisha has proven to be an advocate for community, and understands the value Parks, Recreation, Arts, and Aquatics add to every individual, every day.
Regional Director - NW
Craig Lamas-Cole, City of Oak Harbor
Education:
- Bachelor's Degree in Economics
Job History:
- City of Los Angeles- Recreation Aide (2 years)
- Recreation Assistant / Camp Director (7 years)
- Recreation Coordinator (14 years)
- Recreation Facility Director (2 years)
- Valley Region Sports Board - Served 12 years / Vice President (2 years)
- City of Oak Harbor - Recreation Coordinator (2 years)
- Other Experience: Los Angeles Dodgers - Pitch Track Operator
WRPA Involvement:
New member. Attended the WRPA conference and am looking forward to getting more involved.
Why do you want to serve on the WRPA Board of Directors?
I have a passion for Recreation and would like to use my experience to grow the field and assist and inspire others in their journey.
What type of Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging initiatives have you contributed to previously or would you contribute to in the future?
I have overseen multiple adaptive recreation programs and would like to be a part of anything that can bring recreation to everyone.
Describe the contributions you feel you can make as a member of the WRPA leadership team:
I bring a lot of experience in programming, event planning, and I have extensive knowledge of the field of recreation. I have experienced running recreational programs in a large city and in a small city and understand the challenges faced in both areas. I also have a lot of passion for recreation and how it can change lives and grow communities.
Regional Director - SW
Stacey Allington, City of Vancouver
Education:
- Bachelor of Science in Human Development and Psychology from Washington State University
Job History:
- Vancouver Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services July 1997 – Present
- I joined Vancouver Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services after completing my degree at Washington State University Vancouver in 1997. While attending WSUV, I began my career as an intern with the Sports Department. After completing my internship in 1997, I continued working as a temporary seasonal employee, supporting the same programs I now oversee. In 1998, I was hired into a benefited position as a Recreation Specialist. Over the years, I gained extensive experience supporting and developing recreation programs, and in 2022 I was promoted to my current role as Recreation Supervisor. In this position, I provide leadership, oversight, and support for recreation programs and staff, helping ensure high-quality services for the community.
WRPA Involvement:
- My involvement in WRPA to date has included the following:
- Attended conferences annually since 1997
- Engagement committee member for the 2019 WRPA Conference in Vancouver, WA
- CEC committee member since 2020
- Awards committee member for 1 year
- Conference Chair for the 2024 WRPA Conference in Vancouver, WA
- Presented at 2024 WRPA Conference in Vancouver, WA
- Current Interim Regional Director for SW WA
- Current Membership Committee Co-Chair
- Presenter at 2026 WRPA Conference in Tacoma, WA
Why do you want to serve on the WRPA Board of Directors:
I want to serve on the WRPA Board of Directors because it allows me to continue making meaningful connections and to help others do the same. Strong professional connections play a critical role in career development—supporting individuals in their current roles, preparing them for positions they aspire to promote into, and strengthening the programs and organizations they are affiliated with. Serving on the Board provides an opportunity to engage with professionals across the parks and recreation community, collaborate with partner organizations, and support WRPA’s mission through active involvement and leadership. I value giving back to the profession and believe board service is a meaningful way to support others, strengthen our field, and contribute to the long-term success of parks and recreation for the communities we serve.
Describe the contributions you feel you can make as a member of the WRPA leadership team:
As a member of the Washington Recreation & Parks Association (WRPA) leadership team, I would contribute by actively building and strengthening connections across the profession. I bring a collaborative mindset and a strong commitment to helping others grow—both in their current roles and as they prepare for future leadership opportunities. Strong professional connections play a critical role in career development, supporting individuals where they are today, preparing them for roles they aspire to, and strengthening the programs and agencies they serve. I would support WRPA by engaging with professionals throughout the community, fostering relationships among agencies, organizations, and partner groups, and encouraging participation in professional networks, trainings, and conferences. By sharing knowledge, resources, and experiences, I aim to support collaboration, shared learning, and the continued development of the parks and recreation workforce across the state. I am committed to being an engaged, dependable leader who listens, participates, and follows through. I believe involvement matters, and I want to continue serving on the Board of Directors to make meaningful connections and to help others do the same. Board service is an opportunity to give back, strengthen our profession, and contribute to the long-term success of parks and recreation for the communities we serve.WRPA At-Large Director
Carmen Murrell, City of Shoreline
Education:
- Graduated from UNLV in 2004 with a degree in Kinesiology; Master’s Degree in Public Health from A.T. Still Health Science University
Job History:
- Recreation Supervisor- City of Shoreline | November 2016-Present
- Recreation Specialist- City of Shoreline | February 2012- November 2016
- Therapeutic Recreation Leader- City of Henderson Inclusion Specialist | April 2009- May 2011
WRPA Involvement:
- I have presented at four WRPA Conferences over the years and attended at least eight WRPA Conferences since joining the WRPA in 2012. I currently participate in the WRPA Programmers network.
Why do you want to serve on the WRPA Board of Directors:
I am hoping to be a part of the Washington Recreation and Parks Association Board of Directors because I am deeply committed to the idea that public parks and recreation are fundamental to a thriving, resilient society. My vision for WRPA is rooted in the pursuit of equitable access, ensuring that every community across Washington can benefit from the physical and mental wellness that green spaces and recreation can provide. As we navigate the challenges of rapid urban growth and environmental change, I am eager to contribute to the strategic futureproofing of our infrastructure and the professional development of our workforce by fostering a culture of mentorship and advocating for sustainable funding.
Describe the contributions you feel you can make as a member of the WRPA leadership team:
As a member of the WRPA leadership team, I will contribute a blend of strategic foresight and hands-on operational expertise. My focus is on enhancing the value of membership by fostering a more interconnected network where resources and 'lessons learned' flow freely. I bring a proactive approach, a commitment to data-informed decision-making, and a passion for building inclusive environments that reflect the diverse communities we serve. Ultimately, my goal is to provide the steady, collaborative leadership necessary to help the WRPA navigate the evolving demands of public health, environmental stewardship, and community growth.
