DeKalb Park District hires new executive director

After nearly six months since the former park district head exited the position, the DeKalb Park District has a new leader, according to a Park Board of Commissioners announcement this week.

John Shea, Jr. is the new DeKalb Park District Executive Director, and comes to DeKalb from a Superintendent of Recreation role at the Winnetka Park District, where he spent the past decade.

 “The Park Board is thrilled to work with John as our new executive director,” said board president Phil Young in a statement. “I am confident that the Park District will be well-positioned under his guidance to thrive in the years to come. We feel that John is an energetic, positive individual that is passionate about the field of Parks and Recreation. He was the clear choice as our next leader to advance DeKalb Park District amenities that serve the entire community.” 

According to district officials, Shea brings “a wealth of knowledge to the position,” and received a Bachelor of Science in Recreation and Park Administration from Illinois State University. Before joining DeKalb, Shea spent more than fifteen years in the field of parks and recreation, according to the announcement, beginning his career in his hometown of of Schaumburg as the pool manager and head lifeguard at the Schaumburg Park District. Shea later transitioned to an internship position at Elk Grove Park District, and then to the Town of Normal Parks and Recreation to manage select sports courts facilities and youth variety programs, including a before and after school program.

In Winnetka, where Shea spent the past decade, he began as a recreation supervisor through his tenure transitioned to Superintendent of Recreation where he oversaw major capital projects, such as a 15-year master plan for five lakefront park sites, according to the announcement.

 “I am excited and honored to be here for the DeKalb community,” Shea said in a statement. “I was able to visit many of the park sites and interact with users, gaining insightful knowledge of the park system. The staff is creative, coordinating exciting opportunities and services for the community, and I look forward to working with them to continue providing offerings meeting all interests of our diverse city.”

Shea said he’s also interacted with staff members already.

“I can tell from my interactions with staff members, we are eager to become a leader in the field, in how we enrich the lives of our community members,” Shea continued in his statement. “We want residents to be proud of their park district and excited to participate in the programs and resources available to them.”   

As executive director, Shea will work closely with staff and the Park Board to ensure the organization continues to grow and adapt to serve the DeKalb community through the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and beyond. 

Shea is a National Recreation and Park Association Certified Parks and Recreation Professional and a 2017 Graduate of the University of Illinois and Illinois Parks and Recreation Association Level 2 Leadership Academy. He is certified in American Red Cross, First Aid, CPR, AED, and Waterfront Lifeguarding. John currently lives in Buffalo Grove with his wife, Meri, and two dogs, Shelby and Bruce. 

There will be several opportunities for DeKalb residents to meet the new district executive director, with outdoor meet and greets set for: Friday, June 11 from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at Hopkins Park, 1403 Sycamore Road prior to the Movie in the Park event. Another meet and greet is set for Saturday, July 24 from 10 a.m. to noon at Katz Dog Park, 393 Dresser Road, and at the final Music at the Mansion concert Wednesday, Aug. 4 from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at Ellwood Museum’s lawn, 420 Linden Place. Each event will provide refreshments, pop-up activities and prizes.

“Through hard work, I look forward to enhancing the DeKalb Park District for current and future users,” Shea said in a statement. “I value community input to ensure we are offering programs and services meeting the needs of our residents. Please contact me with any input, suggestions, or constructive commentary regarding all aspects of the DeKalb Park District.”

Shea can be reached at jshea@dekalbparkdistrict.com or (815) 758-6663 ext. 7265.