American Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance - AAHPERD

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Mariah Burton Nelson Appointed to ASAE's Diversity Executive Leadership Program (DELP), Class of 2011-2013

Reston, VA. June 29, 2011─The American Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance (AAHPERD) is pleased to announce that Mariah Burton Nelson, Executive Director of AAHPERD's American Association for Physical Activity and Recreation, was recently selected as one of 12 scholars for the American Society of Association Executive's (ASAE's) Diversity Executive Leadership Program (DELP), Class of 2011-2013. DELP offers individuals from underrepresented segments of the association profession an opportunity to advance into the ranks of leadership in association management by providing networking opportunities, educational programs, and career guidance.

Says Paul Roetert, AAHPERD CEO, "I am pleased to have one of our exceptional leaders accepted to ASAE's Diversity Education Leadership Program. Mariah Burton Nelson is a visionary leader who is inclusive, cooperative, and committed to consensus-based decision-making whenever possible. Inclusion and gender equity are important values here at AAHPERD, and I am proud to have our organization represented by Mariah in this impressive program."

Mariah Burton Nelson has been on staff at AAHPERD since 2006. In addition to her role as Executive Director of AAPAR, she serves as the Center Director for the Head Start Body Start National Center for Physical Development and Outdoor Play (HSBS). Under the AAHPERD umbrella, and funded by a federal grant, HSBS focuses on increasing physical activity among Head Start children nationwide.The DELP scholarship is a two-year program sponsored by the Detroit Convention and Visitors Bureau that aims to prepare the participants for future leadership roles and to provide a more robust learning experience. For more information, visit www.asaecenter.org/DELP.

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Contact:
Jennifer Jones
jjones@aahperd.org
703-476-3416

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AAPAR, one of 5 national associations that make up the American Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance (AAHPERD), serves more than 8,600 professors, teachers, trainers, and community leaders who promote meaningful physical activity and recreation across the lifespan. AAPAR advocates fitness and fun for every body, with a focus on inclusive community based programs.

AAHPERD, an alliance of five national associations, six district associations, and a Research Consortium, provides its members with a comprehensive and coordinated array of resources, support, and programs to help practitioners improve their skills to further the health and well-being of the American public. It is the largest organization of professionals involved in physical education, recreation, fitness, dance, health promotion and all specialties related to achieving an active, healthy lifestyle. AAHPERD serves 20,000 members and has its headquarters in Reston, Virginia, 25 miles west of Washington DC. To learn more, visit www.aahperd.org.