Ron Coleman has over 28 years experience in conservation, environmental projects, parks and recreations, public art, trails and fund development. He is Executive Director of The Open Space Council for the St. Louis Region, and President of the Coleman Group, Inc., offering professional expertise in diverse fields involving nonprofit organizations, parks and recreation, and conservation. He is a Certified Park and Recreation Professional.

His professional and volunteer work with land and water conservation has earned local, state and national recognition. He was recognized as a Missouri Water Conservationist of the Year for his leadership with Operation Clean Stream. For his involvement in parks, he has received a Missouri Parks and Recreation Fellow Award, the highest form of professional recognition in his field.

Ron currently serves as president of the Missouri Parks Association, and on the boards of the Conservation Federation of Missouri and Great Rivers Environmental Law Center. He is past President of The Missouri Parks and Recreation Association, and a past member of the board of The American Hiking Society. Ron now serves on the National Leadership Council of American Hiking.