New Park District Director to Settle in

David Harris is bringing more than 20 years of park district experience to his new job as executive director of the Glen Ellyn Park District Sept. 7.  

And his value added? Experience as a user of Park District services during his nearly 20 years as a resident of Glen Ellyn.

While he is wrapping things up at his current job as executive director of Butterfield's Park District, he took time to answer questions posed to him by Patch.

Glen Ellyn Patch: More than 50 candidates applied for the position of executive director. Why do you think you were selected?
David Harris: Hazard Young and the board did their due diligence and had a challenging task sorting through, interviewing and deciding upon the right candidate from a pool of interviewees who brought many skills and talents to the table. I am grateful that the position was offered to me. During the course of my 23-plus years in the industry (working in Winnetka, Highland Park and Butterfield), as well as the private sector, I have consistently demonstrated passion for my job, work ethic, a consistent ability to listen and respond, industry insight and foresight, creative problem solving, ability to maximize services within budgetary constraints, teamwork and a very high level of customer service.

Additionally, I have learned over the years that everyone cares and has a vested interest in the successes of their community. I believe in the community in which my family has lived for almost 20 years and the opportunity to serve Glen Ellyn is very exciting. During the course of the interview process with Hazard Young and the board, I was able to clearly communicate my ideals, goals and desire to serve the community, in which I reside, successfully. Again, I am very grateful for the opportunity, and I am looking forward to what we can achieve.

Glen Ellyn Patch: What kind of awards and recognition have you received for your work?
Harris: Professionally, I was consistently promoted at Highland Park over the course of my career there. My employment records demonstrated consistent and exemplary performance tied to district and professional objectives during the 20 years I was employed by Highland Park. When it comes to industry awards, there are many standardized awards that the Park Districts received – Distinguished Agency, Outstanding Facility, Best Waterpark, Moody’s Triple AAA bond rating, many safety awards. While at Butterfield Park District (even similar to my perspective at PDHP), our efforts were not focused on winning outside agency awards but servicing our residents and families. We were a "boutique" park district focused on balancing budget, improving our assets and maximizing our services to our constituents.

Glen Ellyn Patch: What are some of the programs and initiatives you have spearheaded at the Butterfield Park District and the Park District of Highland Park?
Harris: Through the course of my lengthy career, I have been instrumental in many program and facility initiatives. Highlights include the planning, construction and operation of a $12 million recreation center; planning, construction and operation of a $6 million water park; initiating a learn-to-play hockey program; development of the first completely open to the public (north suburbs) soft tennis courts; revision of the Bullfrog swim team including creating a junior Bullfrog program; created a golf academy summer camp; revised travel and feeder athletic program.

Glen Ellyn Patch: What lessons have you learned after spending 20-plus years of working for park districts?
Harris: Many lessons have been learned. I have become a much better listener. It is imperative to listen to your residents and have a feel for what the community wants and desires.

Glen Ellyn Patch: The Glen Ellyn Park District Board of Commissioners has stated several times that one of its primary concerns is fiscal responsibility. What kind of experience do you have in regards to this?
Harris: Growing up with a father who owned and operated his own fast-food restaurant, I learned early the value of a dollar. Although I am in the public sector, I have always had a private industry mentality. From the instant I entered the industry, I have been financially responsible. Having managed several revenue facilities including a recreation center, ice rink, water park, tennis facility, golf learning center and an 18-hole golf course, each were operated economically and fiscally responsible with the goal of generating revenue. Those revenues then would contribute to the improvement and maintenance of the entire district. Under my direction, we were quite successful at this. Additionally, while at Butterfield, I initiated a business plan that has allowed the park district to begin to make dramatic improvements while generating more revenue, which then can be reinvested back into the community.

Glen Ellyn Patch: What do you hope to accomplish during your tenure as executive director?
Harris: I hope to build on the foundation that has been established. It is an outstanding organization. I mirror the board’s goal of greater transparency and communication with our residents, improved customer service, and creating financial stability. I want to strengthen the district’s cooperation with the other taxing bodies. As a Glen Ellyn taxpayer, I want my contributions maximized. By intergovernmental cooperation, these savings are possible.

Glen Ellyn Patch: What are some of the challenges you see facing the park district within the next couple of years?
Harris: Create a smooth and seamless transition, come to a resolution on a couple of outstanding issues, stabilize and strengthen the district’s finances and work with the board and staff to develop direction in which to proceed. Lastly, create a means to improve and increase the ability to communicate and receive feedback from the park district constituents.

Glen Ellyn Patch: One of the pressing concerns the Glen Ellyn Park District is facing is the leaky roof at its Ackerman complex. What are your thoughts about the problem?
Harris: As a resident and a member of Ackerman since it opened, I have experienced the leaks firsthand. Since I officially have not begun, I have not been apprised of how the district is proceeding. I have experience of overseeing large construction projects and have successfully helped close out each project and resolved any outstanding issue in a timely and efficient manner.