Aurora parks director to take university post

Jim Pilmer's roots have outgrown his pot.

After 10 years serving as Aurora's director of parks and recreation, Pilmer will step down May 8 to join Aurora University as assistant vice president for administration.

"A very good friend once told me that once every 10 years or so you need to replant yourself so your roots continue to grow," Pilmer said Wednesday. "I'm lucky enough to be able replant myself in another field that I happen to have a tremendous respect for. Philosophically, things happened and came together at the right time."

Born and raised in Aurora, Pilmer joined the city in 1999 as director of downtown services. In April 2001, he was appointed assistant chief of staff by Mayor David Stover, and in June 2002, he began his role as director of parks and recreation.

In his current position, Pilmer oversees the management of 12 playgrounds, three community parks, 12 neighborhood parks, two 18-hole golf courses, one three-hole junior golf course and a municipal zoo. Despite the range of responsibilities, Pilmer said he sees several similarities between the project management and facility-care aspects of his current job and what he expects to be doing at Aurora University.

Mayor Tom Weisner agreed and said Pilmer's wide range of experience will be missed throughout the city. Weisner added that the number of projects Pilmer completed in his 10 years with the city was impressive.

"(Pilmer) oversaw 14 capital projects, including construction of five playgrounds, and the David & Karen Stover Visitors Center in Phillips Park," Weisner said. "And he has been an exemplary public servant by working cooperatively with East and West Aurora high schools and Hope D. Wall School to develop a grant-funded work training program for students with disabilities."

A 16-year veteran of the Waubonsee Community College Board of Education, Pilmer also has contributed to a state panel that wrote the blueprint for higher education for the 21st century. He also has completed the Distinguished Certificate Program for Senior Executives in State and Local Government from the John F. Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University.

"Being in an academic setting revolving around critical thinking is where the attractiveness is for me in the new position," he said. "And I've seen the quality of education at Aurora University as a student and now as a parent, since my daughter is a student there."

Weisner said the city's loss will be Aurora University's gain.

"One of the things I most appreciate about Jim that AU certainly will appreciate as well is his can-do attitude," Weisner said. "No matter the situation, Jim will find a way to get things done. He has accomplished great things for our city."

Aurora University President Rebecca Sherrick called Pilmer a "devoted champion for the city."

"In his new role at AU, he will continue to advocate for the welfare of our community and its university," she said.

In Pilmer's absence, Aurora Neighborhood Standards Director Rosario DeLeon will assume the role of interim parks director during the transition period. Pilmer said he couldn't be happier that DeLeon's "fresh set of eyes" will be keeping watch on the city's parks and programs.

"Throughout the years, Rosario and I have helped each other with issues and he's been great to work with," he said. "I couldn't be happier that he's the guy to keep our projects moving forward."