Kristy Owens

Kristy joined Centre Region Parks and Recreation (CRPR) in 2020 as the Recreation Services Manager and was promoted to the Director position in 2023. She has 20 years of experience in the field of Parks and Recreation having served in a variety of leadership positions. Prior to working for CRPR, she spent over 13 years at Silver Spring Township in Cumberland County as the Assistant Director and then the Parks and Recreation Manager. She brings an extensive background in budget administration, community outreach, fundraising, grant writing/administration, public policy creation, park planning and development, programming, event planning, strategic planning, and project management. 

Kristy holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Recreation, Park and Tourism Management from Pennsylvania State University and an Associate of Applied Science as a Physical Fitness Specialist from Penn College. She is a Certified Parks & Recreation Professional (CPRP) and a Certified Festival and Event Associate, through the National Parks and Recreation Association. She also worked for YMCA's and a Fitness Center early on in her career. In 2022, she served as Co-Chair for the Pennsylvania Recreation & Park Society (PRPS) State Conference, and has received two Presidential Citations and Excellence in Programming awards, showcasing community events and a "Culture of Health" initiative for Summer Camps. Originally from Altoona, Kristy resides in College Township and enjoys all things outdoors, especially biking, running, hiking, and various sports. She also enjoys spending time with her fiance and two dogs, Duke and Dunkin. 

Ms. Owens began her duties as the Parks and Recreation Director on June 12, 2023 and has been with the agency since 2020.