Buffalo Grove Park District Names First Female Executive Director

BUFFALO GROVE, IL — Erika Strojinc is slated to become the next executive director of the Buffalo Grove Park District. She was selected by the board of commissioners for the position with Ryan Risinger, the current executive director, retiring May 26.

According to officials, Strojinc first joined the district as the clubhouse assistant director in December 2005, and was promoted to recreation supervisor in May 2008. She was promoted to superintendent of recreation six years later, director of recreation and facilities in December 2020, and deputy director in August of last year.

“I am delighted to have the opportunity to lead this organization. We have a fantastic team, a supportive Board, and a ton of opportunities (and challenges) ahead of us," Strojinc said. "This community means a great deal to me; and, I want the Park District to be a place that connects, inspires and celebrates the uniqueness of Buffalo Grove.”

Strojinc holds bachelor’s degrees in English and psychology from the University of Illinois at Chicago, and earned her master’s degree in Public Administration with specialization in strategic public management and leadership from Northern Illinois University, where she graduated Phi Alpha Alpha. She will be the sixth executive director in the district’s history, and the first woman to lead the organization.

“The Buffalo Grove Park District will be in excellent hands with Erika at the helm,” Risinger said. "We have a history of solid leadership at this agency; and, Erika has been both a part of that culture, and part of that leadership team for many years."

Strojinc will start in her new role as executive director on May 27.