New Schaumburg parks director grew up in town
The Schaumburg Park District has found its new executive director — right next door.
Tony LaFrenere, 46, has been serving as deputy director of the Hoffman Estates Park District since 2006.
Schaumburg park commissioners are expected to appoint him executive director of their district at a special meeting on Friday.
LaFrenere succeeds Jean Schlinkmann, who retired in mid-May. The search for her permanent successor did not really begin in earnest until after that.
LaFrenere lives in Schaumburg with his wife, Julie, and three children. He grew up in Schaumburg, attending Schaumburg Township Elementary District 54 schools and Schaumburg High School, playing on Schaumburg Athletic Association teams and participating in Schaumburg Park District programs.
“I feel privileged to now give back to the community in which I grew up, and follow in the footsteps of previous directors who built the foundation of excellent services and amenities for which the Schaumburg Park District is known,” LaFrenere said in a statement released Wednesday.
LaFrenere graduated in economics from the University of Illinois, and is a certified parks and recreation professional and a certified professional with the Professional Golfers Association of America. He also is past president of the Hoffman Estates Chamber of Commerce.
LaFrenere began his career with the Hoffman Estates Park District in 1991.