ABOUT STAFF
To reach staff via email please email us at [email protected]


Barbara Arango, CAE
Executive Director
708-588-2285

• Oversight

• Board

• Budget/Financial Health

• Strategic Planning

• Foundation

Year started at IPRA: 2022

Education: BBA, University of Miami; MBA, Kellogg Graduate School of Management, Northwestern University    

Favorite IPRA Event/Experience: Park Pursuit

Little Known Fact About Me:
 My birthday is on St. Patrick’s day.

What I like to do when not working for IPRA:  Hiking in the forest preserve, cooking and doing crossword puzzles.




Vincent Davis, CPRP
Membership Manager
708-588-2286

• Awards

• Membership 

• Website


Year started at IPRA: 2022

Education: B.S., Recreation, Sport & Tourism, University of Illinois

Favorite IPRA Event/Experience: Soaring to New Heights Conference 

Little Known Fact About Me:
 Ja Rule follows me on twitter

What I like to do when not working for IPRA:  Graphic design, woodworking, candlemaking, gardening, and playing basketball/soccer.


 

 

Nicole Dotson
Administrative Support Specialist
708-588-2281


• Support for the IPRA Board

• Support for the IPRF Board

• Office Management

• IPRA Job Board

• Social Media

Year started at IPRA: 2022

Education: DePaul University

Favorite IPRA Event/Experience: I'm looking forward to conference!

Little Known Fact About Me: I love crossword puzzles

What I like to do when not working for IPRA:  Traveling




Barry Franks
Finance Director
708-588-2284

• IPRA Financials

• Section Financials

• Foundation Financials

• Finance Committee Liaison

• Audits

Year started at IPRA: 2009

Education: MBA    

Favorite IPRA Event/Experience: My time spent in Lombard Maintenance Facility during our location transition.

Little Known Fact About Me: I was an Olympic Torch Bearer.

What I like to do when not working for IPRA:  Any outdoor activity.


 

 

Cindy Galvan, CMP
Conference & Meetings Manager
708-588-2287


• IAPD / IPRA Conference

• Meeting Planning

• IPRA Event Logistics


Year started at IPRA: 2022

Education:  Roosevelt University, Certificate, Meeting, Convention & Exhibition Management

Favorite IPRA Event/Experience: I'm sure it will be Soaring to New Heights! :)

Little Known Fact About Me: I love all reality TV

What I like to do when not working for IPRA:  Trying new restaurants in and around the city


 

Kim Laper, CPRP
Education & Events Manager
708-588-2283


• Section & Committee Liaison

• SIGnature Education & Events

• Section Elections

• IPRF / Joint Section Golf Outing

Year started at IPRA: 2018

Education: B.A., Sociology, University of Wisconsin - Whitewater;  M.S., Recreation, Sport & Tourism, University of Illinois

Favorite IPRA Event/Experience: Professional Development School

Little Known Fact About Me: I hate bananas!

What I like to do when not working for IPRA: Spending time with family/friends and traveling.


 

Duane Smith, CPRP
Education Director
708-588-2288


• Educational & Networking Oversight

• Certifications & Certificate Programs

• CEU Processing & Information

• Conference Program Committee

• Awards

Year started at IPRA: 2016 

Education: B.A., Social Science / Secondary Education, North Central College 

Favorite IPRA Event/Experience: Soaring to New Heights Conference 

Little Known Fact About Me: I coached high school soccer and taught junior high Language Arts for four years. 

What I like to do when not working for IPRA: Traveling, reading, wood-working, biking, and spending time with my family.


 

Heather Weishaar
Communications & Marketing Director
708-588-2282



• Unplug Illinois

• IPRA Career Center

• IPRAConnect Online Communities

• Marketing & Communications

• Silent Auction Liaison 

• Health & Wellness Committee / Exceptional Workplace Award

Year started at IPRA: 2001

Education: B.A., Organizational Communication, Western Michigan University, Certification in Nonprofit Management, University of Illinois - Chicago

Favorite IPRA Event/Experience: Park Pursuit

Little Known Fact About Me: I love to watch boxing. 

What I like to do when not working for IPRA: Spend time with family.