After spending the vast majority of her life in Colorado, Stephanie Stephens took the plunge and came to beautiful California to serve as the Executive Director of the California Park and Recreation Society in spring 2014. Her passion for parks and recreation, coupled with her love of non-profit management shows in the heart she brings to the work she does. As one of only 5,000 Certified Association Executives (CAE) in the US, she also brings a strong knowledge base on non-profit management. Managing a $2.5 million dollar budget and working with a team of 7, she works to advance the profession of parks and recreation through strategic initiatives, legislative efforts, action-planning and leadership. When Stef isn’t busy in a meeting, developing a partnership or working on the next best resource for members, you can find her gardening, on her SUP, or trying out a new recipe in the kitchen.