Glencoe Park District Executive Director Named to Illinois Park & Recreation Association Board of Directors

The Illinois Park & Recreation Association (IPRA) has appointed Lisa Sheppard, CPRP, Executive Director of the Glencoe Park District, to serve as the Chicago Metro Representative to IPRA's Board of Directors. She replaces Margaret Resnick, Executive Director of the Mundelein Park District, who retired.

Lisa Sheppard has over 30 years of experience in the field of parks and recreation, where she has worked for progressive, innovative, and award-winning park districts. Her work resume is extensive, with experience in all major disciplines of the district including recreation, facility and parks management, public relations, marketing, and fiscal management. Lisa spent 15 years as the Superintendent of Recreation at the Gurnee Park District and in 2013 became the Executive Director for the Glencoe Park District.

In 2019 the Glencoe Park District, under her leadership, became an Illinois Distinguished Accredited Agency and was awarded the NRPA National Gold Medal for the first time. Other outstanding achievements for Lisa include several state and national recreation honors including her Gurnee Park District NRPA Gold Medal, IPRA Professional of the Year, IPRA Marcy Adams Spirit Award and Gurnee Days Honoree.

In addition to her work experience, Lisa is an active professional in the Illinois Park & Recreation Association (IPRA), having served as a leader on the Board and committees throughout her profession.

Reflecting on her upcoming role, 'I am excited to be part of an innovative IPRA Board, as we examine the opportunities on how we can assist our members during this profound change in our profession due to the pandemic.'

'As Margaret Resnick moves off the IPRA board due to retirement from her agency, we are thrilled to bring on Lisa Sheppard as the new appointee for the Chicago Metro Region for the remainder of this term, until January 2022. Lisa served on the IPRA board for several years before. We are excited to bring her back and look forward to being able to utilize her extensive skill set. Lisa is a respected leader in our field and will represent the Chicago Metro Region well.' - Debbie Trueblood, IPRA Executive Director.

Established in 1944, the Illinois Park and Recreation Association's mission is to provide and promote exceptional standards of education, networking, and resources for all professionals in the Illinois park, recreation, and conservation communities. For more information about IPRA, its board and mission, please visit the IPRA website: www.ILipra.org