Christopher R. Edginton

Christopher R. Edginton is Secretary General of the World Leisure Organization, a non-governmental organization in consultative status with The United Nations.  He has held direct leadership, supervisory and administrative positions in the recreation, parks and leisure services field.  In addition, Dr. Edginton serves as Professor, School of Health, Physical Education and Leisure Services at the University of Northern Iowa.  From 1991 until 2010 he served as Director of the School of Health, Physical Education and Leisure Services. He is the founder of the nationally award winning Camp Adventure Child & Youth Services program.  Since its establishment in 1985 the Camp Adventure program has provided contracted children and youth services worldwide.  Identified as a leading proponent of the application of contemporary management concepts in the recreation, parks and leisure services field, Dr. Edginton has published over 250 articles and 30 books focused on the topics of leisure programming, leadership, management, youth work and organizational goals.  Spanning the globe, he has published articles and/or made professional presentations in Australia, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, Germany, Hong Kong, Hungary, India, Japan, Korea, Macau, Malaysia, Mongolia, New Zealand, Philippines, Portugal, Romania, Russia, Singapore, Spain, Taiwan, The Netherlands, The People's Republic of China, United Kingdom and the United States.

Dr. Edginton co‑authored textbooks include: Productive Management of Leisure Service Organizations: A Behavioral Approach; Recreation and Leisure Programming: A Guide for the Professional; EXETRA Perspectives: Concepts in Therapeutic Recreation; The Recreation and Leisure Service Delivery System; Leadership in Recreation and Leisure Service Organizations; Commercial Leisure Services: Managing for Profit, Service, and Personal Satisfaction; Leisure Programming: A Service-Centered and Benefits Approach; Youth Programs: Promoting Quality Services; Leisure and Life Satisfaction: Foundational Perspectives; Selected Papers of the Academy for Youth Leaders; Leadership for Recreation and Leisure Service Programs and Settings; Enhancing the Livability of Iowa Communities: The Role of Recreation, Natural Resource Development and Tourism; Managing Recreation, Park, and Leisure Services; Leisure: Basic Concepts; Papers of the American Academy; Leadership for Recreation, Parks and Leisure Services; Youth Work: Emerging Perspectives in Youth Development, Leisure and Transformation; and Managing for Excellence: Programs of Distinction for Children and Youth.