May 3, 2017 — The recently elected Glen Ellyn Park District Park Board commissioners were sworn in at the May 2 meeting and new officers were elected.
The Board elected officers to one-year terms: Julia Nephew, President; Robert Weber, Vice President; and Chris Wilson, Treasurer.
Out of a field of five candidates, incumbents Julia Nephew and Robert Weber were both re-elected to four-year terms, while newcomers Alex Durham and Michael Ward were elected to four-year terms. Three incumbent board members chose not to seek re-election. Newcomer Ben Stortz also won a two-year term as commissioner.
Commissioners also re-appointed Dave Harris as Executive Director and Western DuPage Special Recreation Representative, Kimberly Dikker as Board Secretary, and Ancel Glink as its law firm.
In addition, Commissioners will be appointed at a later meeting to serve as liaisons/chairs for one-year terms for the following committees:
• Citizens’ Finance Committee Liaisons
• Ackerman Sports & Fitness Center Advisory Committee Co-Chairs
• Citizens’ Environmental Committee Co-Chairs
• Friends of Glen Ellyn Parks Foundation Liaisons
Commissioners Vanessa Pierce, Jay Kinzler and Melissa Creech chose not to run for re-election in 2017. Kinzler and Creech had both served on the Board since 2009. Pierce was elected in 2013.
“While achieving and contributing to many significant accomplishments, Melissa, Jay and Vanessa’s dedication and desire to do what was in the best interest of the District was their most lasting achievement,” said Dave Harris, Executive Director.
Pierce, Kinzler, and Creech were recognized at the April 11 meeting for their years of service and accomplishments as Park District commissioners.
“They were instrumental in many successful and positive outcomes,” said Harris, “including achieving an operating budget that generates greater revenue than expenses, the creation of an Ackerman Sports and Fitness Center business plan which generated increased revenue contributing to an asset replacement program, the elevation of the District’s bond rating to AA+, and the refinancing of existing bonds at a lower rate saving taxpayers approximately $180,000 over the next few years.”
“Other accomplishments included the Sunshine Award for government transparency, restoration of the Boathouse and the improvements of Lake Ellyn Park, and improved athletic fields,” Harris continued.
The two commissioners not up for re-election this year are Kathy Cornell and Chris Wilson. Their terms expire in 2019.
Pictured from left to right: Alex Durham, Michael Ward, Ben Stortz, Julia Nephew, Robert Weber.
