Department Directory

Learn about the �첥��Ƶ Board of Commissioners and Office of the Inspector General:

Budget and Management

Scott Greene, Director
(312) 742-4330
The Office of Budget and Management is responsible for the preparation and oversight of the operating and capital budgets, grant management, and financial analysis of the �첥��Ƶ for long-term fiscal planning. Additionally, the department analyzes regional and departmental budget requests, identifies issues and provides information to help departmental officials make resource decisions which are incorporated into the Annual Appropriations Ordinance. Learn more about the Office of Budget and Management.

Communications

Michele Lemons, Director
(312) 742-4786
The �첥��Ƶ’s Communications Department is charged with the task of increasing public awareness for the District’s programs and initiatives. The Department is comprised of marketing and media relations units. The Department oversees internal communications initiatives. In addition, the Department manages the Community Relations division and the District's compliance with the Illinois Freedom of Information Act (FOIA).

Community Recreation

Daphne Johnson, Chief Program Officer
(312) 742-5091
Community Recreation is the program administration division within the �첥��Ƶ. Community Recreation focuses on the District’s core mission of providing high-quality leisure services to Chicago residents and visitors. The department's administrative arm oversees the programs at the parks through its Central, North, and South Region Offices. Learn more about the Community Recreation Department.

Comptroller

Antoine Holmes, Comptroller
(312) 742 -4342
The Office of the Comptroller consists of four divisions that provide financial services to parks, departments, employees and vendors: General Accounting, Accounts Payable, Payroll and Quality Controls and Review. The Comptroller’s Office maintains the financial integrity of the District and its commitment to sound business practices and financial policies. The Office collects data and coordinates, manages and records all financial transactions for the District, in addition to managing the annual financial audit and producing the Comprehensive Annual Financial Report and the Popular Annual Financial Report (PAFR). Learn more about the Office of the Comptroller.

Cultural & Natural Resources

Cathy Breitenbach, Director
(312) 742-4197
The Department of Cultural and Natural Resources (DCNR) is responsible for maintaining and managing the district’s over 8,100 acres of land, including 2 world-class conservatories, 25 acres of floral gardens citywide, 1,000 turf-based athletic fields, more than 500 soft-surfaced playgrounds, an urban forest of 250,000 trees, 31 public beaches, more than 1,800 acres classified as nature areas, and 25 lagoons and natural water features. DCNR administers and manages the district’s contracts for trash removal and recycling, enhanced landscape maintenance for 20 miles of landscaped medians, elevated care and maintenance for the Museum Campus and Grant Park, as well as the district’s holiday lighting and holiday tree recycling programs.

Through enhanced landscape management, staff training and constant high quality maintenance, the department is quickly becoming the benchmark by which many municipal organizations measure the quality of their landscape and gardening.

As a first place Gold Award winner in 2003's Nations In Bloom, an international landscape beautification competition, the department has proven itself as a competitor among the finest in the world. The department has also won numerous awards including the 2002 and 2003 Conservation and Native Landscaping Award from the United States Environmental Protection Agency and Chicago Wilderness for South Shore Nature Sanctuary and the Jackson Park lagoon rehabilitation; the 2001 Landscape Contribution Award - Associated Landscape Contractors of America; and the Professional Grounds Management Society's 2001 Grand Award.

The Culture, Arts and Nature (CAN) Division of the department is responsible for citywide cultural programming, nature programming and special events. Learn more about the CAN division.

Disability Policy Office

Larry Labiak, Director
(312) 742-5097
The Disability Policy Office oversees Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)/Illinois Accessibility Code/Chicago Building Code compliance initiatives and guides the Park District’s efforts to create a fully accessible park system. It plays an integral role in the prioritization of ADA capital projects and identifying ways to improve accessibility to facilities. The Disability Policy Office also advises all departments on the development and implementation of policies and programs inclusive of patrons with disabilities. Learn more about the Disability Policy Office.

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Office

Trena Harris, Officer
The Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion will drive institutional change to build a more accessible Park District, with the goal of fostering a positive organizational culture based on core values. We recognize that we play an important role in creating and sustaining safe, supportive, and inclusive environments for park visitors enjoying park space and participating in our programming, and for our staff working within our facilities. Our goal is to identify and address the origins and consequences of inequity, level the field of opportunity, and make systems and spaces more accessible and equitable for everyone.

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Statement
The �첥��Ƶ is committed to recognizing and celebrating the diversity in cultures and experiences of every individual. We ensure equity by creating policies and initiatives that eliminate barriers to unbiased opportunities. We cultivate inclusive environments in our park spaces through our leadership, actions, programming, and community collaboration.

Ethics

Karen Seimetz, Ethics Advisor
(312) 742-6416
The �첥��Ƶ Ethics Officer Advisor is responsible for enforcing the �첥��Ƶ Ethics Ordinance. The Ethics Ordinance requires all Park District officials and employees to abide by general directives to ensure fair and honest government. Detailed in Chapter 3 of the �첥��Ƶ Code, the Ethics Ordinance applies to officials, employees, persons doing or seeking to do business with the Park District, persons regulated by the Park District, and persons seeking official action by the Park District. Learn more about the Ethics Office.

Facility Management

Victoria Cordova, Director
(312) 747-8817
The Facility Management department operates and maintains over 600 parks, with over 250 staffed park facilities. The Department utilizes a skilled labor workforce to provide a wide variety of routine maintenance, repairs, renovation, and capital projects throughout the District. The Department’s goals include but are not limited to ensuring accessible and properly maintained parklands, facilities, and equipment; maximizing the use of energy-efficient technologies; improving responsiveness, productivity, and effectiveness in a fiscally responsible manner; and helping to reduce anticipated capital project expenses through the current workforce.

Freedom of Information Act (FOIA)

Karen Choudhury, FOIA Officer
(312) 742-4789
The Illinois Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) is a state statute that provides the public the right to access government documents and records. The law provides that a person may ask a public body for a copy of its records on a specific subject and the public body must provide those records, unless there is an exemption in the statute that protects those records from disclosure. In addition, some records may be subject to confidentiality provisions imposed by other state or federal laws; the FOIA process for disclosure of information does not supersede these other applicable statutory and judicial mandates. The Freedom of Information Act is designed to allow a person to inspect or receive copies of records. It is not designed to require a public body to answer questions. Learn more about the Freedom of Information Act.

Human Resources

Argentene Hrysikos, Director
(312) 742-5220
The Department of Human Resources is responsible for attracting, motivating and retaining the most qualified employees to ensure the effective operations of the Park District. The work of this department encompasses a coordinated effort with each department and region to attract and retain qualified individuals in order to enhance the success of the organization. The department specifically manages benefits, compensation, job classification, compliance, rules, candidate screening, policies and procedures, and collective bargaining agreements along with the related labor relations functions. Learn more about the Human Resources Department.

Information Technology

Alman Ruiz, Director
(312) 742-4572
The �첥��Ƶ Information Technology Department develops, implements and maintains all technology utilized by the Park District. This includes hardware and software applications for enterprise-wide computer systems, desktop and network equipment, telephony systems and the public web site. A technology plan developed by the department and reviewed by the IT Oversight Committee comprised of its most-senior executives guides the selection of projects and their relative priority to best leverage technology by the District. Responsibilities for managing the IT project portfolio include maintaining record of and ensuring timely completion of all projects as well as evaluating results and reporting quarterly.

Law

Heather L. Keil, General Counsel
The Law Department is responsible for providing legal counsel and representation to the �첥��Ƶ, its officers, and departments. �첥��Ƶ attorneys handle matters including general litigation, labor and employment, Workers' Compensation claims, municipal corporate matters, land use and acquisitions, transactions, and drafting and revision of ordinances. Learn more about the Law Department.

Legislative & Community Affairs

The Department of Legislative & Community Affairs (LCA) is the central community liaison for the Park District. The work that the LCA team performs involves working closely with Governmental Bodies, Community and within the �첥��Ƶ. LCA acts as the liaison between the Park District and federal, state and city governments. At the State level, the LCA team manages legislative matters introduced in Springfield that impact the �첥��Ƶ. We work with legislators, staff, State officials, the Mayor’s Office of Intergovernmental Affairs and the Park District’s contract lobbyists in order to see that any legislation of interest to the Park District is monitored and is our best interest. At the City level, the LCA team interacts with aldermen to address any park issues within their ward. This is accomplished by attending City Council meetings, relevant Committee meetings and other requested meetings with aldermen. The LCA team also introduces and tracks any Park District projects that require City Council approval. Additionally, they coordinate with various City departments and sister agencies on Park District projects, as necessary.

LCA also works within the community. We are the liaison between the Park District and Park Advisory Councils and various community groups and organizations. LCA is responsible for working with the community to create Park Advisory Councils (PAC’s). This involves organizing and attending PAC meetings, overseeing elections of members, assisting with creation of bylaws, developing fund raisers and any other function of the council. Additionally, the LCA team is responsible for organizing the annual Advisory Council Appreciation Day, which recognizes and rewards AC members for their hard work and dedication to their parks. LCA further enhances its interaction with the community by attending various community meetings to represent the Park District.

LCA is responsible for overseeing and maintaining the Volunteer in the Parks (VIP) program, the community relations phone line and responding to inquires made through the park district’s web-site (also known as Webmin). We also manage the DFA process and Corporate Volunteers. The LCA team interacts with the Region and HQ Park District departments. We work with each department to develop the Federal and State Agendas. The LCA team oversees other areas that help improve the parks as well. We are represented on the Park Enhancement Committee. This committee reviews and inspects requests for new park features or improvements and submits recommendations to the General Superintendent for approval. We also monitor and coordinate numerous donations and contributions from elected officials, advisory councils and community groups.

Marketing

(312) 742-5267
The �첥��Ƶ’s Marketing Department creates and executes the District's marketing strategies with a focus on both internal and external stakeholders’ needs. The department’s key responsibilities are to promote programming and events; increase brand awareness; and ensure the delivery of meaningful information that is consistent with the organization's mission and core values to the appropriate target markets and through the applicable channels of communication. In addition, the department works closely with the Information Technology Department to manage content on the Park District website.

New Business Development

Kelly Sheetz, Director
(312) 742-4292
The Department of New Business Development is responsible for developing and managing corporate partnerships, advertising, promotions and sponsorship opportunities. The Department works with corporations, brands and small businesses to provide financial support for events, programs and facilities to increase non-tax revenue and enhance program offerings. The goal is to create long-lasting, mutually beneficial relationships over multiple years.

As a worldwide leader of urban park districts, our more than 600 parks, 26 miles of lakefront, 12 museums, 6 golf courses and many more facilities will provide access to consumers that meet your needs. A partnership with the �첥��Ƶ helps provide high quality, affordable recreation for children and families. Become a partner of the �첥��Ƶ through: Naming Opportunities, Sponsorships, Promotions/Advertising, Park & Recreational Program Support, ARCS Partnership Program, Charitable Giving, and Other Innovative Business Ideas.

Learn more about Sponsorship, Advertising & Promotion Opportunities in the parks!

Office of Prevention & Accountability

Tamara B. Starks, Director
(312) 742-5OPA (312-742-5672)
Created in 2022, the Office of Prevention and Accountability (OPA) supports the �첥��Ƶ’s commitment to providing an equitable, inclusive, safe, and respectful recreation and work environment free from discrimination, harassment, sexual harassment, sexual misconduct, workplace violence, abuse and neglect of children and vulnerable adults, and retaliation.

OPA works to ensure that thorough, fair, and independent investigations are conducted in response to any alleged violation of the Human Rights Ordinance – Chapter IV of the �첥��Ƶ Code. OPA also handles investigations and provides guidance related to the �첥��Ƶ’s Child Abuse and Neglect Policy and Adult Protective Services Policy. Learn more about the Office of Prevention and Accountability.

Planning and Construction

Heather Gleason, Director
(312) 742-5695
The Division of Planning and Development implements the Park District’s Capital Improvement Program. As part of this process, the Department manages land acquisitions; conducts inventory and historic analysis; designates landmarks; establishes design standards for parks; produces initial development plans and design documents; reviews landscape and architectural plans for parkland; performs research and policy analysis; writes grants; and works with other park departments, community groups, and city agencies to determine the location, scope, and design of parks.

The Division of Capital Construction directs and manages the District’s capital construction projects. These may involve the construction, restoration and/or rehabilitation of District facilities, structures, landscapes, monuments, and infrastructure, as well as the development of new parks. Members of the department provide construction project management, design implementation, technical and professional support, and finance management. This department is also responsible for managing the District’s Job Order Contracting program, and for issuing District permits to outside contractors. Learn more about Planning and Construction.

Purchasing

Brian Stepp, Director
(312) 742-5380
The Department of Purchasing is responsible for purchasing goods, services, and construction for the �첥��Ƶ. Our open bid and solicitation process ensures fairness, competition, and best value. At times our interest in achieving the best value may lead us to participate in contracts from larger economies such as the City of Chicago, our Sister Agencies, and the State of Illinois. Besides best value, we're also very interested in green procurement. Increasingly our solicitations are either exclusively environmentally friendly or include eco-friendly products and services. All this is accomplished by complying with the Code of the �첥��Ƶ and the other local, state, and federal laws and regulations that guide us. Learn more about �첥��Ƶ contracting opportunities.

Revenue

Dana Zilinski, Director
(312) 763-6710
The Department of Revenue is responsible for managing the District’s revenue-generating contracts. Those contracts include, but are not limited to, the management of: Soldier Field; the Northerly Island concert pavilion; the largest municipal harbor system in the country with nine harbors and 5,000 boat slips; the District’s parking lots; six golf courses and two driving ranges; and a District-wide concession program with more than 200 concessionaires. Additionally, the Department oversees all permitting and monitoring of special events throughout the District including picnics, media shoots, athletic events, concerts, festivals, and art exhibitions, as well as the use of parks by sports groups. Finally, the Department of Revenue markets and books most of the District’s special use facilities for events, including wedding receptions and corporate affairs.

The Department of Revenue manages the �첥��Ƶ’s non-tax/bond revenue. This includes the following (click on each one to learn more):

Special Event Permits
Special Event Venues
Management Contracts: | | Cell Tower Agreements

Department of Revenue office is located at 359 E. McFetridge Dr. (just across the street from the Field Museum main entrance)
Chicago, IL 60605. Telephone: (312) 763-6710. Fax: (312) 742-5339

Risk Management

M. Andre' Taylor, Director
The Risk Management Department is comprised of a team of professionals focused on the �첥��Ƶ's top priority of providing a safe, secure and healthy environment for all patrons and employees of the park district.

The Risk Management Department manages, coordinates and monitors the overall activities within the park district related to issues pertaining to safety and health programs, policies and procedures, insurance related matters, compliance with federal, state and local laws to help maintain a safe environment for patrons and employees. Learn more about the Risk Management Department.

Safety & Security

(312) 747-2193
The Department of Permit Enforcement ensures the safety and security of patrons, employees and facilities in Chicago’s parks. The Department ensures police services are delivered to park properties and advises District administration on law enforcement-related issues. In addition, the Department coordinates security for events held on District property with the Chicago Police Department, Soldier Field management, Museums in the Park, and the Office of Emergency Management and Communications.

Shared Financial Services

John Gallagher, Deputy Director
(312) 742-4718
The Shared Financial Services Department is responsible for providing financial support to parks and administrative departments that is constant and consistent thus allowing field staff to focus on their community parks and programs. The department is responsible for performing financial duties such as timekeeping, payroll, budgeting, requisitioning, accounts payable and other financial related responsibilities. This includes all accounting, cash flow management, invoicing and all other budget and financial issues within the District. The Department works closely with other departments, including Treasury, Comptroller, Budget and Management, the operating departments and regional managers to ensure ongoing coordination of these financial activities.

Treasury

(312) 742-5384
The Treasury Department is responsible for managing the District's issuance of bonds and other debt obligations as well as cash, investment and debt portfolios. The department monitors and adjusts the District's cash and investment position to meet daily liquidity needs while maximizing investment returns. Learn more about the Treasury Department.

Workforce Development

Jason Mann, Deputy Director
Workforce Development offers centralized training and professional development for all staff at the �첥��Ƶ. Our conferences and workshops provide staff throughout the district an opportunity to enhance their skills and knowledgebase, introduce them to higher levels of service and, ultimately, increase their ability to meet the needs of Chicago citizens and visitors.

The mission of the Workforce Development department is to inspire quality through a centralized system that elevates the District to the highest possible standard by utilizing consistent training, evaluation, tracking, policy recommendations, and accreditation.

In line with the District's vision, Workforce Development has instituted four core values:

Professionalism: We believe that training, development, and accreditation will help the �첥��Ƶ become a more professional environment that Chicago citizens and visitors will want to turn to for all their leisure and recreation needs.
Consistency: We are committed to offering consistent quality service and developing resources, such as handbooks, that our staff can easily access.
Employee and Customer Focused: We believe that decisions need to be based on both the employee and the customer and solutions that benefit everyone must be developed.
Optimism: We are focused on creating solutions.