DuPage forest preserve leader to be named soon?

DuPage County Forest Preserve commissioners could vote as early as this week to hire a new executive director for the district.

The board is scheduled to consider an employment contract during its Tuesday morning meeting, according to a posted agenda. While specifics about the contract aren't provided, the agenda item comes after the commission has done an extensive and lengthy search for a new executive director.

Forest preserve President D. “Dewey” Pierotti Jr. has been serving as interim executive director since Brent Manning stepped down from the top administrative job in June 2012.

The commission originally wanted to name a new executive director by Nov. 1 but ended up missing that self-imposed deadline. In addition, officials have said they wanted to give the new director a full year with the existing commission before the November 2014 election.

Whoever gets the job will help oversee 60 preserves covering roughly 25,000 acres with 145 miles of trails and five education centers.

The future director specifically will be responsible for developing and implementing long-term plans for the district that will include work at new and existing preserves, natural areas and educational centers.

Tuesday's meeting is planned for 9 a.m. at the district headquarters, 3S580 Naperville Road, Wheaton.