ARC Staff

Derrick Crandall, President

Derrick Crandall is the President and Chief Executive Officer of the American Recreation Coalition, a position he has held since 1981. He is the Executive Vice President of The Recreation Roundtable and serves as Co-Chair of the National Recreation Lakes Coalition, the Scenic Byways Coalition and the Coalition for Recreational Trails as well as Treasurer of the American League of Anglers and Boaters. He served as a member of the President's Commission on Americans Outdoors from 1985 to 1987. He received the Chevron Conservation Award and was named to the President's Commission on Environmental Quality in 1991. He was also Chairman of the Take Pride in America Advisory Board, appointed by the Secretary of the Interior, and a Founding Director of the National Forest Foundation, appointed by the Secretary of Agriculture. He has served on several national judging panels, including co-chairing the U.S. Department of the Interior's Take Pride in America award program in 1990 and 1991. Among the dozens of public-policy successes in which he has played a central role are the National Scenic Byways Program, the Recreation Fee Demonstration Program and the National Recreation Lakes Study Commission. These efforts have been recognized in many ways, including induction into the RV Hall of Fame and receipt of the 1993 Annual Award of the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators. USA Today has cited him as “the outdoor guru.” Mr. Crandall served on the Board of the American Society of Association Executives for seven years, including two terms as Vice Chairman. He received ASAE's Professional Performance Award in 1980, his Certified Association Executive recognition in 1990 and was named an ASAE Fellow in 1992. He has served in leadership roles on numerous community and philanthropic organizations and presently serves as Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Earth Conservation Corps and the executive committee of WOW-Wonderful Outdoor World. He is a graduate of Dartmouth College.

Catherine Ahern, Vice President, Member Services

Catherine Ahern is Vice President, Member Services for the American Recreation Coalition. ARC has more than 100 private-sector members, including many of the nation's most prominent recreation companies and recreation-related associations. In addition to member services, Catherine is responsible for program marketing and membership development and serves as ARC's Corporate Secretary. She also works closely with the Coalition for Recreational Trails, a coalition of trail-related groups which was formed in 1992 to ensure that the national Recreational Trails Program receives adequate funding. Prior to joining ARC in July 1995, Catherine served as a senior executive with the International Snowmobile Industry Association, ending her 22-year tenure with that organization as its President and Chief Executive Officer. She is a graduate of Vanderbilt University and received a Master's degree in Library Science from Florida State University.

Acting, Director of Communications

Acting, Director of Communications. The position is responsible for the dissemination of information to members, government partners and the general public. The Director collaborates in the development and implementation of ARC programs and initiatives, such as Partners Outdoors, monthly Recreation Exchanges, Great Outdoors Month, and Get Outdoors USA! Email dcrandall@funoutdoors.com for more information regarding the position.