Longtime Northbrook Park Board Member Appointed To State Advisory Panel

NORTHBROOK, IL — Longtime Northbrook Park District Commissioner Mary Ann Chambers has been appointed to the Illinois Department of Natural Resources' Natural Resources Advisory Board.

Gov. J.B. Pritzker appointed Chambers in May to fill the board position representing parks and recreation interests. She attended her first meeting in June.

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The 13-member advisory board includes representatives from a variety of fields and meets quarterly in Springfield.

"I am most grateful for this terrific opportunity to advocate for parks, recreation and conservation, as well as to learn more about the Illinois Department of Natural Resources and how to best conserve, preserve and utilize these resources," Chambers said in a statement.

"The opportunity to expand my knowledge and understanding of vast natural resources throughout Illinois is exciting."

Nearly 3 Decades Of Park District Service

Chambers has served on the Northbrook Park District Board of Commissioners since 1999, including two terms as president.

She also served on the Illinois Association of Park Districts Board of Trustees from 2008 through 2011 and was elected to the board again in 2022.

IDNR Assistant Director Todd Strole said Chambers brings a perspective that is uncommon on the advisory board.

"Mary Ann is a longtime board member at a very important and very successful park district, and that is very unique and appreciated," Strole said.

"We tend to get staff people, like executive directors, on the board, and it's really nice to have someone who has a different perspective. It's a perspective we don't often have."

Focus On Conservation Challenges

Chambers applied for the board at the suggestion of Illinois Association of Park Districts President and CEO Peter Murphy.

Murphy called Chambers "an exceptional leader and a tremendous advocate for parks, recreation and conservation."

"Her nearly three decades of service as a Northbrook Park District commissioner, combined with her steadfast leadership on the IAPD Board of Trustees, have given her a deep understanding of the importance of protecting natural resources, enhancing recreational opportunities, securing open space and ensuring that wildlife thrives," Murphy said.

Chambers said her initial goal is to learn more about IDNR's departments and the priorities of other board members.

"I look forward to looking for ways to collaborate and cooperate to work through the challenges of our changing climate, habitat loss, invasive species, expanding development and, of course, funding," she said.