Lunch with a Leader | Brad Wilson, Executive Director, Naperville Parks and Recreation

Lunch with a Leader | Brad Wilson, Executive Director, Naperville Parks and Recreation

Thursday, October 20, 2022 (12:00 PM - 1:30 PM) (CDT)

Description

This monthly series, limited seating, in-person event, highlights one local Community Leader/Influencer in a casual, friendly, sit-down atmosphere. Held in a private room at Sullivan's Steakhouse, both NACC and community members are given the opportunity to interact and ask questions to those that Naperville owes its past and present to, and during this lunch, perhaps share ideas on its future as well.

This month's event will be hosted by Brad Wilson, Executive Director, Naperville Park District. This is a face-to-face meeting opportunity and is limited to 15 guests per event - so, be sure to register early!


Brad Wilson, Executive Director 

Naperville Park District 

After 23 years with the Naperville Park District, Brad Wilson was promoted to Executive Director in February 2022.  In this role, Brad oversees a budget of more than $41 million and is responsible for the overall management of 100+ full-time staff, and more than 1,000 part-time employees. As the head of the District, he is additionally responsible for directing the operations and maintenance of 136 parks across 2,400+ acres, several unique facilities, and more than 7,500 recreational classes, teams, events, and performances offered annually for all ages.

Prior to serving as the Executive Director, Brad grew his experience and leadership as the Director of Recreation and Facilities for the Recreation Department, which consists of the programming, facilities, customer service, aquatics, and volunteer divisions. Additionally, he was primarily responsible for the largest portion of the District’s budget and managed major projects such as the implementation of new registration software, and the addition of programming at several park developments including Nike Sports Complex, Frontier Sports Complex, Commissioners Park, and Wolf’s Crossing Community Park and the addition of indoor programming at the Fort Hill Activity Center, the Nature Center and the 95th Street Center. He also has held primary responsibility for widely visible initiatives including the Community Interest & Opinion Surveys completed by the District every 3 to 5 years.

Brad has received numerous awards and honors recognizing his accomplishments and leadership including the Community Impact Award presented by the Illinois Park and Recreation Association in 2020, Paul Harris Fellow distinction from the Rotary Club of Naperville Downtown in 2017, and the Naperville Jaycees Young Professional of the Year in 2010.  An involved community member, Brad has served as the Volunteer Chair for each of Naperville’s Healing Fields of Honor, he coordinates the Park District’s annual Pennies for Pies initiative, and assists with organizing the Naperville Park District and YMCA’s annual Christmas Meal Program for Seniors and Families in Need. 

Brad holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Recreation Management from the University of Wisconsin – La Crosse.  He also is a graduate of Indiana University’s Executive Development Program for Parks and Recreation Professionals, the National Recreation and Parks Association’s Rocky Mountain Revenue Management School, and the Naperville Area Chamber of Commerce Leadership Institute.

Pre-registration is required. 

No refunds or credits will be issued. 

Sullivan's Steakhouse
244 South Main Street
Naperville, IL 60540-5350 United States
Event Contact
Debbie Van Dyke
Send Email
Thursday, October 20, 2022 (12:00 PM - 1:30 PM) (CDT)
Categories
LUNCH
Registered Guests
13
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