Glen Ellyn park director search to stretch into spring

Glen Ellyn now has two interim park directors while the search for a permanent executive director continues.

The park district board voted 4-3 last week to appoint Superintendent of Recreation Kathleen Esposito and Superintendent of Parks Dave Scarmardo to the temporary posts. They have taken over day-to -day operations of the district following the retirement of longtime Executive Director Cory Atwell on Jan. 14.

The two interim executive directors each will receive a $1,550 boost in their salaries while in the temporary positions, which are expected to last until April.

Commissioner Melissa Creech said she voted against the dual appointment because she wanted one interim executive director with “a clear chain of command.”

When Atwell announced his intentions to retire in November, Creech said she suggested to fellow board members an interim director be appointed at that time.

On Dec. 13, the board voted to hire Hazard, Young, Attea and Associates, a Rosemont-based search firm, to conduct a formal search process.

Board President Ed Hess said he had hoped there would be a permanent replacement for Atwell by Jan. 14, but it didn’t work out that way.

He suggested waiting until after the April election when new commissioners will be on the park board. The search firm will consult with current and potential board members about the type of executive director they are looking for, he said.

A total of seven candidates, including Hess, are running to fill three seats on the board. Incumbents Bill Dallman and Sandy Minogue are not running for re-election.

The search firm also will gather input from village officials, community groups and the school district, Hess said.

It’s likely the new park director will be paid much less than what Atwell was making, though that person will come in with less experience, Hess said.

“You would always hope there would be some economies hiring somebody new. Cory was a seasoned veteran. He took the early retirement option. So the optimum situation is you hire a replacement at a lower salary.”

Atwell was paid $140,400 a year, and will collect an annual pension of $73,152 through the district’s early retirement program.