DRPS Annual Conference Keynote Addresses

Barbara Tulipane is currently the President and Chief Executive Officer of the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA). NRPA is a national not-for-profit organization dedicated to advancing park, recreation and conservation efforts that enhance quality of life for all people. Through its network of some 21,000 recreation and park professionals and citizens, NRPA encourages the promotion of healthy lifestyles, recreation initiatives, and conservation of natural and cultural resources.
Headquartered in Ashburn, Va., NRPA works closely with local, state, and national recreation and park agencies, citizen groups and corporations to carry out its objectives. Priorities include advocating favorable legislation and public policy; continuing education for park and recreation professionals and citizens; providing professional certification, university accreditation, research and technical assistance; and increasing public awareness of the importance of parks and recreation.

Responsible for leadership, development, advocacy, corporate relations and financial stewardship, Barbara has complete oversight for NRPA’s operation and its 60-person staff. She oversees the government affairs program, the annual convention, professional development, and Park and Recreation (NRPA’s monthly publication).

Previously Barbara served as President and Chief Executive Officer for the Electronic Retailing Association (ERA), the $7 million international trade association that represents the $300 billion industry that uses television, radio and the internet to sell their products and services. ERA’s 500 member companies, 33% of which are international, include live shopping networks, online marketers and industry suppliers such as QVC, The Home Shopping Network (HSN), eBay and Google.

Prior to working at the ERA, Barbara was the Vice President of Operations for NATSO Inc., a national trade association representing travel center owners and operators. Headquartered in Arlington, VA, NATSO advocates for over 1,011 travel plazas and truckstops owned by more than 250 multi-chain and independent operators nationwide. In this role Barbara served as the industry spokesperson on issues related to fuel, rest area commercialization and environmental matters. She led recruitment and retention efforts for membership, oversaw educational programs and executed the annual convention where she successfully introduced a joint venture with the trucking industry that resulted in an increase in attendance of travel plaza operators each year.

Barbara Tulipane entered the association community in 1989 as the Director of Marketing for The Army and Air Force Mutual Aid Association (AAFMAA), a professional membership association whose mission is to care for soldiers’ families in the event of their death. In her role she was responsible for increasing membership, raising the association’s visibility in the military community and creating relevant services for young military families. During this time she had oversight for a $1 million budget, special programs, publications and events. This position required heavy interaction with top Army and Air Force officers, a skill set that she has built upon in each role she has held since.

Barbara began her career immediately following graduation from the University of Arizona where she received her undergraduate degree in Sociology and Marketing. She is a Certified Association Executive (CAE) from the American Society of Association Executives (ASAE) and holds a Masters degree in Public Administration from George Mason University. She also is a Fellow of the Harvard Kennedy School of Government Executive Program.

Kevin Reilly is a well-renowned Motivational Speaker and a former Linebacker for the Philadelphia Eagles. In 1979, Kevin underwent the life-changing amputation of his left arm, the result of a rare tumor from scar tissue (football injury) called “desmoid”.

Kevin’s story begins in Wilmington, Delaware where he graduated in 1969 from Salesianum School where he was captain of his varsity football and basketball teams and a starting catcher on the baseball team. He attended Villanova University in Pennsylvania on a full four-year athletic scholarship, graduating in 1973. Kevin was Villanova’s MVP and first team All-East as a linebacker. Upon his graduation, he was drafted in the seventh round of the college draft by the Miami Dolphins. In 1976, Kevin returned home to serve as captain of the “special teams” for the Philadelphia Eagles. Later in that year, Kevin was traded to the New England Patriots. Upon his release from the Patriots, he began working for the Xerox Corporation in Wilmington and recently retired as Marketing Manager after a 30 year career there.

Kevin has been named to the Delaware, Villanova University and Salesianum High School Halls of Fame.

In 1980 Kevin started sharing his story as a motivational speaker. His emotional and physical comeback and the trials and difficulties he encountered along the way make him one of this country’s most valuable speakers. Kevin is known to his peers and business associates as being centered and knowing who he is. He has a positive attitude that touches all with whom he comes in contact.

Kevin currently resides in Wilmington, Delaware and serves in various capacities for many area charities including, Easter Seals, Boys & Girls Club, Special Olympics, Delaware Autism Society, & The Garo Yepremian Brain Tumor Foundation. During football season, Kevin also serves as a broadcaster for WYSP for the Philadelphia Eagles.