Elmhurst Park Board Promotes Jim Rogers to Executive Director

Elmhurst Park District is pleased to announce the appointment of James W. Rogers, currently deputy director of parks and recreation, as the new executive director of the Elmhurst Park District, effective March 2012.

Rogers, a 21-year veteran in the field of park and recreation management, is exceptionally well prepared to lead the Elmhurst Park District because of his experience in all facets of parks and recreation operations, knowledge of budgetary issues, and his expert understanding of organizational behavior and planning. 

Elmhurst Park Board President Colette Kubiesa was pleased to announce Rogers’ appointment at the April 11 Park Board meeting.

“Based on the Park Board’s succession plan, Jim has been our deputy director for a number of years and we know that he will build upon the district’s current success through his in depth knowledge and understanding of the Elmhurst community, thoughtfulness, excellent communication skills, participatory management style and creativity,” she said.

Rogers has served the Elmhurst Park District since 1994 in a variety of positions including director of recreation and director of park and recreation services prior to his appointment as deputy director of parks and recreation in 2006. In his current role he has been responsible for overseeing recreation programs, parks and facilities. 

His tenure at the district affords the Park Board and community a key ingredient—corporate memory and continuity—which will help Rogers hit the ground running when he assumes his duties. The board noted that Rogers has been part of the Elmhurst Park District’s success as an organization.

Rogers has been in the field since 1990, upon his graduation from the University of Illinois with a degree in parks and recreation administration.  His first professional full-time position was with the Downers Grove Park District. Rogers also has a master’s degree from Illinois Benedictine College in management and organizational behavior. He is a member of the Elmhurst Morning Rotary Club.  He and his wife, Lisa, live in Elmhurst and are active in various community organizations, and their two daughters attend Elmhurst public schools.

Richard D. Grodsky will be retiring at the end of April 2012, after more than 15 years with the Elmhurst Park District and 37 total years in the field.

The Elmhurst Park District is an Illinois Distinguished Agency dedicated to promoting “lifetime enjoyment” by providing a variety of parks, recreation facilities, and affordable programs in the Elmhurst community.  For more information on the Elmhurst Park District or gift certificates call (630) 993-8900 or visit www.epd.org.