Schaumburg honors retiring park district director
Just days before her retirement from the Schaumburg Park District, Jean Schlinkmann was honored Wednesday not only for her eight years as executive director but also for all 31 she spent in a variety of leadership positions.
All aspects of the Schaumburg community converged on Chandler's Banquet Hall to offer congratulations to a woman known for both her professional role and the many volunteer and civic organizations she's served on.
Because of the Schaumburg Park District's early embrace of cable television, a video presentation was able to include many funny moments from throughout her career - both outtakes and intentionally humorous scenes from different shows.
Schaumburg Mayor Al Larson read a proclamation declaring Wednesday Jean Schlinkmann Day in the village, and the days around it Jean Schlinkmann Week.
Schlinkmann was then praised by her former boss, Jerry Handlon, whom she succeeded as executive director in 2004.
"I had the privilege of working with Jean for over 20 years," Handlon said. "She was one of those steadfast people you can always rely on. One of the best decisions I ever made was hiring Jean Schlinkmann."
Deputy Director Dan Otto said Schlinkmann immediately made him feel a member of the team after his own hire in 1985, and that the entire park district staff has taken its cue from her positive attitude.
Park board President Sharon DiMaria said that her son was only 2 when Schlinkmann started at the park district, and that Schlinkmann's career helped shape all of her kids' childhoods.
When Schlinkmann herself took the microphone, she broke down after what she said was a year of successfully fighting back her tears.
"I'm very grateful to have worked for the Schaumburg Park District for 31 years," she said. "I've experienced interesting work, wonderful opportunities and steady advancement. But it's the day-to-day interactions I've had with all of you that I will miss the most."
Schlinkmann's last day with the park district will be Monday. The board of commissioners has not yet selected her permanent successor.