Chris Nunes

Chris Nunes, CPRE is the Chief Operating Officer for The Woodlands Township, in The Woodlands, Texas. In that position, a $50+  million operational budget and is accountable for the management of 151 parks, 14 swimming pools and aquatic facilities, 220 miles of pathways, and 200 miles of streetscape.  He speaks around the country (over 600+ times) on topics including business plans, contracting, creative programming, marketing, external funding, communication, leadership, and succession planning.  In 2012, Chris was elected as a fellow of the American Academy of Parks and Recreation Administrators, and in 2015 he received the National Distinguished Professional Award from NRPA and in 2016-2017 he was the President of the American Academy of Parks and Recreation Administrators and in 2019 The Woodlands Township was recognized by NRPA by winning the Gold Medal Grand Plaque Award for excellence in parks and recreation management. Since 2022, he has served as an advisor/mentor to the Hispanic Professionals in Parks and Recreation Association, and in 2023 he was recognized as the first recipient of the Dirk Richwine Professional Mentoring Award. Chris also serves on the Eppley Institute and ActiveEnviro (formerly GreenPlay Red) National Operating Boards. Chris holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Recreation Management, a Master’s Degree in Sports Management from Springfield College in Massachusetts, and a Doctorate in Parks and Recreation Administration from the University of New Mexico.