Park District Names Strojinc Director of Recreation

BUFFALO GROVE, IL — The Buffalo Grove Park District has promoted Erika Strojinc to director of recreation and facilities. She replaces Bill Heider, who recently retired after serving in that role for six years, and being with the District since 2010.

Strojinc, a graduate of Buffalo Grove High School, first started with the Park District as a part-time employee in 1999 as a high school student working for the Clubhouse program, according to a press release. She was promoted to full time recreation specialist with Clubhouse in 2005, and to recreation supervisor in 2008, where she oversaw programs such as day camps, early childhood classes, youth and adult programming, Safety Town, birthday parties, special events, and internships.

Strojinc was again promoted in 2014 to superintendent of recreation, where she oversaw a variety of recreational programming until 2018, when she transitioned into her most recent role of being in charge of the Community Arts Center, according to the release.

In the 15 years that she has been full time with the District, Strojinc earned her master’s degree in public administration from Northern Illinois University, where she was a member of the Phi Alpha Alpha Honor Society, and recipient of the Model Public Administrator Award. She was also named the Illinois Park and Recreation Association Recreation Section Young Professional of the Year in 2010, and Professional of the Year in 2016.

“With everything we’ve experienced during the pandemic, including multiple retirements, this is a pivotal time in this agency’s history unlike any other. And, with the challenges we will continue to face, strong leadership has never been more important," Buffalo Grove Park District Executive Director Ryan Risinger said in the release. "I am extremely enthusiastic that Erika is going be the person that will lead our recreation department and help shape that direction for us. She is a known commodity and a proven leader who has been around long enough to know how to best utilize the strengths of our staff.”

“I am very grateful for the opportunity to lead the recreation department. I appreciate everything that the District, the Board, and the community have awarded me throughout my tenure. I look forward to the new challenges ahead with optimism, and trust that we will continue to offer the community valuable services that are focused on keeping Buffalo Grove an incredible place to live and recreate,” Strojinc said.