New chief for Mundelein Park & Recreation District

The Mundelein Park & Recreation District has named a new executive director to replace Margaret Resnick, who is retiring at the end of May.

Mundelein resident Ron Salski, who has led the Lake Bluff Park District for nearly 12 years, was recently selected by the park board.

Salski, who has 26 years in the park and recreation field was hired to a three-year contract after a national search conducted by the Illinois Association of Park Districts. His starting salary will be $160,000.

Jesse Ortega, the Mundelein park district board president, said the district was "very fortunate, excited, and proud" to have hired someone of Salski's caliber to replace Resnick, who had an exceptional 13-year tenure.

"The Mundelein community will continue to have the best park district managerial operations in the state with Ron as executive director," Ortega said in the announcement.

Before Lake Bluff, Salski served five years as chief at the Wheeling Park District and also had held management posts at the Hoffman Estates and Salt Creek (Palatine) districts.

Salski also was board chairman for the statewide Illinois Park and Recreation Association.

He and his family have been Mundelein residents for 12 years and frequently participate in district programs and special events and use the facilities.

He described the new post as his "dream job" and it will provide a chance to lead and become more integrated in the community.

Salski will start May 1 and transition with Resnick until the end of May. Resnick has earned a statewide reputation and received several professional recognitions.

The district has 33 park sites spanning 735 acres of open space, playgrounds, ball fields, lakes and trails. It also offers more than 650 seasonal programs and hosts more than 20 annual events.