IPRA Staff

Vince is the Membership Manager at IPRA and is here to answer all of your questions regarding the website or your membership. He is an alumni of the University of Illinois with a B.S. in Recreation, Sport, and Tourism with a concentration in Sport Management. He has 5 years of previous parks and recreation experience with Salt Creek Rural Park District and Clarendon Hills Park District. 

Nicole Dotson is the Administrative Support Specialist at IPRA. She handles the IPRA job board, content for all social media outlets, assists members who may have questions or concerns, and provide assistance to the IPRA and IPRF board of trustees. Nicole is a proud DePaul University alumni. Her favorite IPRA event is Senior Games.

Barry Franks is IPRA's Finance Director and has been with IPRA since 2009. He has two graduate degrees, in finance and banking, and has spent 25 years in non-profit management. His favorite IPRA event is Park Pursuit but loves seeing and interacting with members at all the events.

Cindy is the Conference and Meetings Manager at IPRA and has been with the organization since 2023. Cindy is here to work on all aspects of the Soaring to New Heights Conference. Prior to joining IPRA, Cindy worked for the American Bar Association for over 15 years and has her CMP certification. Cindy’s favorite IPRA event is the IAPD/IPRA Soaring to New Heights Conference.

Kim is IPRA’s Education & Events Manager and has been with the organization since January of 2019.  She has her CPRP certification and a Master’s Degree in Recreation, Sport, and Tourism from University of Illinois.  One of her main responsibilities is being IPRA's Section & Committee Liaison, where she works very closely with member volunteers coordinating events on the IPRA calendar.  Kim’s favorite IPRA event is a toss-up between Professional Development School and Park Pursuit.

Duane Smith is IPRA’s Education Director and has been with IPRA since 2016. He has a B.A. Social Science and Secondary Education from North Central College, and he is a Certified Park and Recreation Professional (CPRP) with 1o years of experience as a practitioner. Duane’s favorite IPRA event is the IAPD/IPRA Soaring to New Heights Conference.

Heather Weishaar is IPRA's Communications & Marketing Director, and has been with IPRA since 2001. She has a B.A. Organizational Communication from Western Michigan University, and a Certificate in Non Profit Management from UIC. Her favorite IPRA event is Park Pursuit, and loves serving the park, recreation and conservation industry in Illinois.