TRPA Elections
2018 Election Results
Bob Benson, President Elect
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Bob Benson has worked for Metro Parks in Nashville for the past 19 years as their Business Services Coordinator. He oversees the department’s point-of-sale operations for community centers, fitness centers, aquatic facilities, ice facilities, Wave Country, and six golf courses.
Bob currently holds a CPRP certification and in 2014 served as Host Chair for the “It’s All Connected” TRPA Conference held in Nashville. He also works as a volunteer each year at the NRPA Congress in preparation for his role as Host Chair for the 2021 NRPA Congress, also to be held in Nashville. This year he completed his 2nd year as Secretary/Treasurer for the TRPA and has attended numerous TRPA workshops and educational sessions across the state. Prior to joining Metro Parks, Bob served as Scheduler to former Nashville Mayor Phil Bredesen from 1991-1999.
Bob has three grown children - Brandon, Hayley and Jordan. He and his partner Michael have been together for 16 years and live in Hermitage, TN with their dogs Little Ricky and Daisy. Bob and Michael are excited about becoming first time grandfathers this summer.
Nethraja Rajaratnam, Secretary/Treasurer
Nethraja Rajaratnam has worked for Metro Parks in Nashville for 3 years as their Office Support Specialist. She works in the Special Services Division and assists with operations and increasing efficiencies for the Centennial Sportsplex, Hamilton Creek Marina, Nashville Riverfront, Cumberland Park, and the Parthenon. Nethraja wrote and was awarded a grant for Metro Parks in Nashville. Utilizing these funds, she was able to work with the Community Recreation Division within Metro Parks and create the RENEW Program. This program provides nutrition education to the youth that participate in our after-school programs across Nashville.
Nethraja has a Bachelor’s degree in Health and Human Sciences from the University of Tennessee at Knoxville. She holds an AFO certification from her work in aquatic facilities. Currently, she also volunteers with the Big Brothers Big Sisters Program. She loves the outdoors and spending time with her dog Niaus. Nethraja is thrilled for the opportunity to use her skills to give back to the city where she grew up.