Illinois Park & Recreation Association installs Buffalo Grove Park District executive director as 2025 board chair
The Illinois Park & Recreation Association Board of Directors has installed Erika Strojinc, CPRE, executive director at the Buffalo Grove Park District, as its 2025 board chair.
Strojinc, a dedicated professional with a rich background in parks and recreation, proudly traces her roots back to Sheboygan, Wisconsin. Growing up in the Northwest suburbs of Chicago, Strojinc’s passion for community engagement and recreational activities has been a constant throughout her life.
Strojinc’s journey in the parks and recreation field began with part-time roles at both Arlington Heights and Buffalo Grove Park Districts, where she gained valuable experience and laid the foundation for her career. Her academic pursuits led her to the University of Illinois at Chicago, where she earned undergraduate degrees in English and psychology. Later, she furthered her education at Northern Illinois University, achieving a master’s degree in public administration with a specialization in strategic public management and leadership.
Joining the Buffalo Grove Park District in December 2005 as an assistant director for the Clubhouse program, her roles within the district have been diverse, ranging from recreation supervisor to superintendent of recreation to director of recreation and facilities, and, most recently in May 2023, she assumed the position of executive director.
Since 2020, she has served on the IPRA Board of Directors, contributing her expertise to various capacities within the Recreation Section, including a role as section director, and the Membership Council.
Erika enjoys practicing and teaching yoga, holding a certification for the past 10 years, and spending time with her husband and their dog, and traveling.
“Becoming chair of the board for the Illinois Park & Recreation Association is an exciting opportunity to support and elevate the professionals who shape our communities,” Strojinc said. “By focusing on member development and fostering a culture of continuous learning and innovation, we can ensure that parks and recreation professionals have the tools and resources they need to thrive and make a lasting impact on the communities they serve.”
“I am thrilled to welcome Erika as this year’s chair for IPRA,” Suzi Wirtz, IOM, executive director said. “We are at an incredibly important time in IPRA’s history, with a bold strategic plan and a number of high-level, innovative priorities to enhance the member experience and advance the profession. With Erika’s visionary leadership, extensive background in the field and unwavering commitment to IPRA’s mission and values, I am confident that she, the board and the staff will make many impactful contributions. It is a pleasure working with Erika and I look forward to the continued success for IPRA.”
Established in 1944, the Illinois Park and Recreation Association serves over 3,000 park, recreation and conservation professionals throughout the state, and is a national leader in providing premier education, networking and resources. For more information about IPRA, its board and its mission, visit the IPRA website, at ILipra.org.