DeKalb Park District hires new parks superintendent

DeKALB – The DeKalb Park District has hired a new superintendent of parks and development. Mat Emken started with the district on Dec. 1.

Emken was hired to replace Brad Garrison, who retired in June after 38 years with the park district. Emken has more than 20 years of experience maintaining and developing parks. He most recently worked as the assistant superintendent of parks for the Vernon Hills Park District.

“I am very excited to be joining the DeKalb Park District team,” Emken said. “This is an exciting time for the district. I am looking forward to building upon past successes as we look at meeting the community’s current and future needs.”

Emken is a graduate of Western Illinois University with a bachelor of science degree in recreation, park and tourism administration. He is a certified park and recreation professional, certified playground safety inspector, and certified pool and spa operator.

“We are excited to have Mat join our team at the DeKalb Park District,” executive director Jason Mangum said. “Mat’s knowledge, skills, and experience will be a valuable asset for leading our dedicated parks and development staff.”