Our Keynote Speaker

Robert F. Kennedy, Jr.

The National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) has announced that Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., one of the nation’s foremost activists on environmental issues, will address the Opening General Session of its 2008 Congress and Exposition, to be held October 14-18 at the Baltimore Convention Center. Nearly 10,000 park and recreation leaders, advocates and suppliers are expected to participate in the event.

Katie Grove Coffroad, Interim Executive Director of NRPA, commented on the importance of this development:  “Part of our mission is to advance conservation efforts through parks and recreation.  We are recommitting ourselves to this purpose through research, programming and events.  Having Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. as our Congress keynote speaker makes a strong statement about the need for environmental leadership through parks and recreation.”

Mr. Kennedy’s reputation as a resolute defender of the environment stems from a litany of successful legal actions. He was named one of Time magazine's “Heroes for the Planet” for his success in helping Riverkeeper lead the fight to restore the Hudson River. The group's achievement helped spawn more than 160 Waterkeeper organizations across the globe.

Mr. Kennedy serves as senior attorney for the Natural Resources Defense Council, chief prosecuting attorney for the Hudson Riverkeeper and president of Waterkeeper Alliance. He is also a clinical professor and supervising attorney at Pace University School of Law’s Environmental Litigation Clinic and is co-host of Ring of Fire on Air America Radio. Earlier in his career, he served as assistant district attorney in New York City.

Keynote speaker sponsored by Lanscape Structures.