FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Date: 04/01/2025 Contact: Bill Lane, Recreation Supervisor - Communications and Special Events Phone: 319-356-5213
Juli Seydell Johnson (left), Iowa City Parks and Recreation Director and recipient of the Slattery/Trueblood Award, with Geoff Hubbard (right), Johnston Parks and Recreation Director, at the Iowa Parks and Recreation Association Spring Conference on March 27, 2025.
Parks and Recreation Director, Juli Seydell Johnson, honored with 2025 Slattery/Trueblood Professional Award
Iowa City Parks and Recreation Director Juli Seydell Johnson has been named the 2025 recipient of the prestigious Slattery/Trueblood Professional Award by the Iowa Parks and Recreation Association (IPRA). This award was presented at the Iowa Parks and Recreation Association Spring Conference on March 27, 2025. Nominated by her staff, this esteemed honor recognizes her exceptional leadership, dedication, and selfless service to the parks and recreation industry and her community.
This state-level award is named in honor of former Iowa City Parks and Recreation Director Terry Trueblood, who led the department from 1986 until 2009; and former Dubuque Recreation Director Richard Slattery, who led the department for that community from 1963-1975.
Seydell Johnson’s career spans over 32 years, including the past nine years in Iowa City, and previously five years in Coralville, where she has shown a deep passion for serving both the community and her team. As a leader, she empowers those around her by offering guidance, support, and the resources needed to thrive. She mentors countless parks and recreation professionals through her actions, advice, and commitment to public service. Through association involvement, community service, and knowledge-sharing, she has positively impacted parks and recreation communities at the local, state, and national levels.
In true alignment with the Slattery/Trueblood Award, Seydell Johnson has led numerous initiatives shaping parks and recreation in Iowa City. Her leadership was pivotal in developing and executing a comprehensive Park Master Plan, which resulted in the completion of nearly all its recommendations in under 10 years. This success has modernized park amenities and improved access to the park system. She also led the department through the pandemic, overseeing a Recreation Master Plan that generated the highest level of public engagement the department has ever seen.
Her legacy will be marked by the expansion of quality-of-life offerings that reflect the values of the community.
Beyond Iowa City, Seydell Johnson has advocated for the Parks and Recreation profession, ensuring decision-makers understand its vital role. Her leadership in legislative affairs, including her term as IPRA legislative chair and advocacy at the national level, has elevated the profession and its priorities.
Seydell Johnson’s contributions, dedication to her team, and commitment to lifelong learning set a high leadership standard. She is a mentor, visionary, and champion for parks and recreation. It is with great pride that we congratulate Juli Seydell Johnson as the 2025 Slattery/Trueblood Professional Award recipient.
