Pictured from left to right: Commissioner – Keith Wold, Commissioner – Melissa Kellas, Executive Director – Thom Palmer, Commissioner – Dr. Bill Awe, Commissioner – Jim Blasky, and Commissioner – Jerry Nepermann
At the December Park District Board Meeting, Executive Director, Thom Palmer was recognized for his 20 years of service to the District.
When Thom joined the team in 1998 he was the very first Executive Director of the Huntley Park District. Until that point, the district was led by the Recreation Director and Parks Director who reported directly to the board. In 1998 a need was recognized to expand staffing to accommodate the growth projected in the community so Thom’s position was added to direct this growth. When he first arrived, there was no office or even a desk for Thom. Needless to say he quickly secured a desk and he quickly began to build the district into the amazing organization it is today. Our district now serves of 45,000 Park District residents, has 15 parks, facilities, and open space locations, 20 full-time staff and over 300 part-time and seasonal staff. Thom has been an instrumental leader for the organization guiding the district and the community through rapid growth during this time.
Congratulations, and thank you, to Thom Palmer for 20 years of service at the Huntley Park District.