NEDSRA picks new leader from Lombard Park District

The longtime deputy director of Lombard Park District, Rick Poole, has been named executive director of the Northeast DuPage Special Recreation Association, NEDSRA officials said Thursday.

Poole will start work on May 11 to replace Jeena Greenwait, who is stepping down after four years at the helm because of health concerns. Poole has served for a dozen years in his current post with the park district.

The Lombard district is one of 11 member partners that supports NEDSRA's programs for people with disabilities.

Poole was part of the park district design team for construction of the Paradise Bay Water Park and helped build support for a $5.9 million referendum push in 2008, officials said. During his 29-year career in the recreation field he also has worked for park districts in Arlington Heights, Carol Stream and Wheeling.