Renee Bahl

A host of laudable achievements and membership in several associations mark the distinguished career of Renee Bahl, Executive Director of Arizona State Parks. Ms. Bahl, who assumed control over the state park system in 2009, sat on the Board of the National Association of State Outdoor Recreation Liaison Officers from 1998 to 2002, and was Secretary during her final year there. A Board Member of the National Association of County Park and Recreation Officials from 2007 to 2009, Renee Bahl was the organization’s Treasurer, as well as the Chair of its Legislation Committee, from 2008 to 2009. Renee Bahl assumed directorship of the Southern Regional arm of the California Association of Regional Park and Open Space Administrators from 2007 to 2009. Renee Bahl currently claims membership in four additional organizations. Ms. Bahl serves as Statutory Commissioner of the Arizona Outdoor Recreation Coordinating Commission, is a member of The National Association of State Park Directors, and sits on the board of the American Academy for Park and Recreation Administration. Renee Bahl is also Regent and Vice Chair of the State Park Leadership School. Passionate about both conservation and recreation, Renee Bahl managed the preservation of a ranch in Arizona and orchestrated the recovery of thousands of acres of burned parkland in San Diego County. Ms. Bahl developed an award-winning online campsite reservation system, and coordinated numerous natural and cultural resource management initiatives, statewide planning programs, and capital development campaigns. Facing seemingly insurmountable odds and harsh economic realities, Renee Bahl collaborated with state legislators, Tribal leaders, and local elected officials to save 16 of 19 Arizona state parks under threat of closure. A member of the Governor’s Cabinet, Renee Bahl reports directly to the Arizona State Parks Board on her efforts to maintain and improve Arizona’s cherished natural resources.