Naperville Park District selects director

The Naperville Park District approved hiring Daniel Betts of Denver, Colo. as its new executive director Thursday.

Betts, currently Denver's deputy manager of recreation and facility services, will begin his new job March 24.

His arrival comes a year after Barbara Heller resigned the post over an ongoing dispute regarding a proposed recreation center in Frontier Park.

Commissioner Mary Wright, who visited Denver during the search process, called Betts energetic and vibrant.

"He's got great conflict resolution skills," Wright said. "I think he'll be an asset to this park district board, and I'm really looking forward to his arrival."

Six of the seven commissioners voted in favor of Betts' contract Thursday, while Ron Ory voted "present" because he felt the contract lacked specific objectives for Betts.

"These provisions, though, have nothing to do with Daniel Betts' qualifications," Ory said. "I want to make that perfectly clear."

Originally from the Chicago area, Betts worked for the Chicago Park District for a period of six years. He has held his current post in Denver since 2004.

While there, Betts assumed responsibility for numerous assets across the city, including 29 recreation centers, 12 indoor and 16 outdoor pools, and 283 athletic fields in addition to managing several hundred full-time and seasonal staff.

"When you talk about ponds and love of the trees and the mountains ... talk about a perfect place to pick out the director," Commissioner Suzanne Hart said.

Betts holds an undergraduate degree in sociology and a graduate degree in educational administration from Western Illinois University and will complete a master of business administration next month.

"Throughout my career, I've been very passionate about serving the needs of youth and families," Betts said in a press release. "The Naperville community can expect that same focus and motivation from me. Additionally, I look forward to learning more about the community, meeting its residents, and ensuring that the lines of communication are always open."

Despite Betts' promise for openness, board President Kristen Jungles would not discuss his salary or the length of his contract Thursday and said the board will release that information at a later date.

Heller did not live in Naperville during her two-year tenure, causing consternation among some in the community. The commissioners have not given Betts a deadline to move to the city but said they expect him to do so.

"We want him to be a resident of Naperville," Jungles said. "He knows that."

Betts will be the park district's eighth director in 12 years. Business Services Director Mindy Munn has been serving as interim for the past year.