IPRF Board of Trustees

About Tracey Michelle Crawford

Strategic Voice. Inclusive Vision. Proven Impact.

Hello, my name is Tracey Crawford, and I am a lifelong believer in people, purpose, and possibility.

For more than three decades, I have worked at the intersection of leadership, inclusion, and community, helping individuals and organizations grow stronger, more connected, and more courageous. My work has always centered around one question: How can we lead with both strategy and heart?

I am a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS) and Certified Park and Recreation Professional (CPRP) who has spent my career helping others build environments where every person feels seen, valued, and included. From leading a $5.7 million public agency to facilitating intimate Safe Zone Conversations, I have learned that inclusion is not a program, it is a practice, and it starts with how we show up for each other.

Today, as Senior Learning Strategist for Access to Growth Learning Solutions, I partner with public agencies, nonprofits, companies, and boards nationwide to deliver leadership development, strategic planning, compliance, and DEI trainings that bring their values to life. I love guiding teams through big conversations about belonging, accountability, courage, and the power of language, while watching for those “aha” moments that spark real change.

Before consulting, I spent more than a decade as Executive Director of the Northwest Special Recreation Association (NWSRA) and President of the Special Leisure Services Foundation (SLSF). Those years taught me the heart of leadership: building trust, celebrating progress, and making sure that every decision circles back to the people who we served.

Along the way, I have been honored to receive awards such as the Robert Artz Lifetime Achievement Award, Excellence in Inclusion Award, and Influential Women in Business Award, but what I am most proud of is the network of incredible people that I have had the privilege to lead, mentor, and learn from.

What I Believe

Leadership should be courageous, collaborative, and compassionate.
 Growth happens when we make space for honesty.
 And every person, no matter what their title, background, or ability, deserves to feel that they belong.

These beliefs guide everything I do, whether I am facilitating a strategic planning session, coaching a new executive, or mentoring emerging leaders who are finding their own voices.

A Few Highlights Along the Way

• Past President, American Academy for Park and Recreation Administration (AAPRA)
    
• Past Co-Chair, AAPRA Justice, Equity, Diversity & Inclusion (JEDI) Committee
      
• Past President, American Therapeutic Recreation Association (ATRA)
• Chair, ATRA DEIB Committee
      
• Past Chair, Illinois Park & Recreation Association (IPRA) Board of Directors
      
• Board Member, Illinois Recreation Therapists Association (ILRTA), IPRA Foundation
• Leadership Team Member, Commission on Antiracism and Equity (CARE 
• Past Board Member, Rolling Meadows Chamber of Commerce
      
• Co-Creator, Safe Zone Conversation Model used by more than 100 park and recreation agencies across the country
• Chair, AAPRA Conversation That Matters: Master Class Task Force
• President Elect, National Association for Recreational Therapists (NART)
• Board Member, NRPA CAPRA Committee
• Board of Regents, IPRA DEI Institute 

A Personal Note

If there is one thing I have learned over the years, it is that growth never stops.  I have been blessed to spend my career helping others discover their own potential, whether that is a young professional stepping into leadership for the first time or a board rediscovering its shared purpose.

When I am not facilitating, speaking, or coaching, you will find me cheering on others’ success, volunteering at Miss America as a Delegate Coordinator watching young women live their dreams, or creating my “Love Tracey” handbags, one-of-a-kind pieces crafted from vintage purses and bags.

I also love decorating spaces that inspire joy and connection and spending time with my family, always with coffee or wine in hand, depending on the moment.

Because at the end of the day, my work, and my life, are about one simple truth: When we lead with heart, we create change that lasts.

Serves as IPRA and IPRF Executive Director, overseeing staff and all departments within IPRA. Suzi is a lifelong association management professional, motivated by organizational culture and inspiring and impacting positive change. She has worked for Association Forum of Chicagoland, was CEO of the West Suburban Chamber of Commerce, and has served as an association exec for a wide variety of other international, national, state and local associations. Her background also includes consulting with associations on marketing, membership and educational projects. She is a double major (English/Marketing) from Loras College and a Masters from DePaul University. Suzi holds the IOM designation and has been a speaker for ASAE, state associations, Chambers of Commerce and local businesses.

Maria is a collaborative, innovative leader who uses empathy and critical thinking to effectively make unexpected impacts.  Maria has a B.S.B.A. from Drake University and many years of experience in digital marketing, consumer engagement and analytics.  Maria’s passion lies in helping others and serving the community.  A lifelong participant in park district activities and a frequent forest preserve visitor, Maria is excited to be helping IPRA provide exceptional service to our members.