Divisions & Staff

Bismarck Parks and Recreation District is organized into three divisions to manage our work for the community. View our Organizational Chart (PDF).

Do you have a question or comment for staff? Send us an email or call 701-222-6455.

Administrative Division

  • Kevin Klipfel, Executive Director
  • Kathy Feist, Finance Director
  • Julie Fornshell, Administrative Services Manager
  • Dana Schaar Jahner, Community Relations Manager

Facilities and Programs Division

  • Mike Wald, Facilities and Programs Director
  • Tim Doppler, Golf Operations Manager
  • Ryan Geerdes, Facilities Manager, Fitness Facilities
  • RaNae Jochim, Recreation Manager
  • Dylan Thiem, Facilities Manager, Arenas and Outdoor Pools

Operations Division

  • David Mayer, Operations Director
  • Riley Merkel, Sport Complexes Manager
  • Mike Sullivan, Park Operations Manager

Staff Certifications

Certified Park and Recreation Executive

CPRE designation establishes a national standard for managerial, administrative, and executive parks and recreation professionals. This mastery-level credential focuses on the practical knowledge and current real-world skills necessary in today’s changing park and recreation environment.

There are currently six CPREs in North Dakota; one is employed at BPRD, Executive Director Kevin Klipfel.

Certified Park and Recreation Professional

CPRP designation is the national standard for all parks and recreation professionals who want to be at the forefront of their profession. Attaining the CPRP designation shows that education and experience qualifications have been met and illustrates commitment to the profession, as well as knowledge and understanding of key concepts within parks and recreation.

There are currently 28 CPRPs in North Dakota; 10 employed at BPRD are Spencer Aune, Jeremy Dykstra, Ethan Eberle, RaNae Jochim, Dave Mayer, Ryan Geerdes, Mike Sullivan, Dylan Thiem, Mike Wald, and Martha Willand.

Certified Playground Safety Inspectors

CPSI designation is the industry-leading certification program in playground safety, providing the most comprehensive and up-to-date training on playground safety issues including hazard identification, equipment specifications, surfacing requirements, and risk management methods.

There are currently 66 CPSIs in North Dakota; 12 employed at BPRD.