Ward will represent the Pacific Southwest Regional Council, which includes the states of California, Hawaii, Utah, Nevada, and Arizona.

"It's a joy to be elected by my peers," said Ward. "I am very proud and honored that the people in my region elected me."

Ward said one of her immediate goals is to get city representatives in her region to build more parks.

"Many people in the east coast of the United States have this preconceived notion that there is so much open space over in the west coast. Because of this notion, it is difficult to gather initiatives for open park space here," Ward said. "In Los Angeles, we are park-challenged. Our region is very urbanized, and I want to work to bring more open space for parks."

Ward will meet with NRPA's Board of Trustees three times each year to initiate organizational policy and create legislative and regulatory issues confronting public parks, recreation and tourism.

Recently, national organizations like the National Football League, Major League Baseball, and the U.S. Tennis Association have partnered with the NRPA to bring more programs to urban areas, and to get more youth involved in sports and other activities.