Brian Panek is Honored with Dedicated to Excellence Award
Brian Panek, Manager of Golf and Facilities, received the Dedicated to Excellence Award at the September 17 Board Meeting, from Don Miletic, Assistant Executive Director of the Des Plaines Park District. Panek was recognized for his implementation of new customer service policies, his staff management skills, and his long-standing loyalty to the District. The Dedicated to Excellence Award is presented three times a year to employees who have made a positive contribution to the Park District. Potential recipients are nominated by Park District staff members, and evaluated by the Employee Relations Committee and Administrators for creativity, responsibility, community relations, and customer service.
Panek began his career at the Des Plaines Park District in April of 2002 as the Athletic Supervisor, after graduating from the University of Illinois. His responsibilities have included youth athletic programming, summer camps, and managing the Mountain View Adventure Center. In 2001, he was promoted to Manager of Golf and Facilities. He oversees the Golf Center Des Plaines and the Lake Park Golf Course. According to Miletic, "Brian continues to find new ways to improve golf operations, increasing revenue, generating more interest in the facilities, and bringing in new customers. We've seen a significant increase in the number of young golfers and families on our courses, especially at Lake Park, which is critical to the future of the District."
Internally at the Park District, Panek is on the Strategic Planning Committee and Fall Fest Committee. His passion for music and his comprehensive knowledge about contemporary bands is one reason for the outstanding line-up of entertainment at the Fest. This year, he lined up Tony Lucca from The Voice to perform, as well, as other local favorites such as 7th heaven, Jin and Tonic Band, and JakTripper.
“”Brian is passionate about his responsibilities and takes pride in his work,” said Miletic. “He is a great representative of the District out in our community.”
For more information about the Des Plaines Park District, visit www.DPParks.org.