Joseph DeLuce is a Senior Vice President with GovHR USA, and has held leadership positions over the past 42 plus years at several park districts.
Mr. DeLuce recently retired as the Executive Director for the Champaign Park District and had been in with the Park District for over 25 years. He has a Master’s degree in Recreation Administration from the University of Illinois and a Bachelor’s degree in Parks and Recreation from Kent State University. With over 42 years as a parks and recreation professional, Joe has served as an Executive Director in Ohio, West Virginia, Florida, and Georgia.
The Champaign Park District has a great tradition as an outstanding Park District having won four (4) NRPA Gold Medals and numerous program and facility awards over the years. With 85 full time staff and over 500 part time staff, the District operates 13 facilities, including a 1921 Historic Theatre, and provides top quality parks, programs and facilities.
Joe has served two terms on the Illinois Park and Recreation Association Board of Directors and recently served on the Illinois Association of Park District’s Joint Legislative Committee. He is a Certified Parks and Recreation Professional through the National Recreation and Park Association and chairs selected Commission for Accreditation of Parks and Recreation Agency evaluations. Joe has also been published in National and State publications on a variety of topics: leadership, strategic planning, professionalism, and sports. Joe was elected to the American Academy of Parks and Recreation Administration in 2014. He joined legendary parks and recreation professionals, Joe Bannon and Bob Toalson, both long standing members of the Academy. Joe also received the Joe Bannon Practitioner’s Award from the University of Illinois Recreation, Sports and Tourism Department.
PROFESSIONAL EDUCATION, TRAINING & INSTRUCTION
• Bachelor of Science degree in Parks and Recreation Administration, Kent State University, Kent, Ohio 1980
• Master of Science degree in Parks and Recreation Administration, University of Illinois, Champaign, Illinois, 2001
• North Carolina State University (NRPA)
• Director’s School 2012
• Supervisors Management School 1992
• School of Revenue Resources 1985
• School of Sports Management 1984
• University of Georgia
• Executive Development School 1990
MEMBERSHIPS AND AFFILIATIONS
• National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA)
• Illinois Parks and Recreation Association (IPRA)
• Certified Parks and Recreation Professional (CPRP)
• IPRA Board of Directors
• Central Illinois Recreation Council on Leisure (President)
• Champaign Rotary Club (Board of Directors)
• Champaign County Sports Commission (President)
• NRPA’s CAPRA Accreditation Team Visitor and Chair
• Illinois Distinguished Agency Accreditation (Lead Staff)
AWARDS
• Inductee into the American Academy for Park and Recreation Administration (AAPRA)
• Joe Bannon Practitioner Award from the University of Illinois Recreation, Sports and Tourism Department
• NRPA National Gold Medals for excellence in Parks and Recreation Management (Staff member)
• Robert Toalson Legend Award
PROFESSIONAL BACKGROUND
Over 42 Years of Local Government Leadership & Management
Experience
• Executive Director, Champaign Park District, IL
• Director of Recreation, Champaign Park District, IL
• Instructor, University of Illinois (Champaign, Illinois) Department of Recreation, Sport & Tourism
• Sport Specialist American Sport Education Program, Champaign, IL
• Executive Director Greater Macon, GA Sports Commission
• Executive Director of Parks & Recreation Hallandale , FL
• Parks & Recreation Superintendent, Broward County, FL
• Executive Director of Parks and Recreation Hancock County, WV
• Executive Director of Parks and Recreation, Toronto, OH
