The Park District of Highland Park Board of Commissioners is pleased to announce the selection of Brian Romes, CPRP, as the new Executive Director beginning July 1, 2019. Brian has over 20 years of experience within the parks and recreation field including various positions of increasing responsibility at the Park District of Highland Park.  He joined the Park District in 2009 as the Recreation Manager.   In 2012, he was promoted to Assistant Director of Recreation and in 2017 was named Director of Recreation and Facilities.  Brian was a key contributor to the development of the District’s GreenPrint 2024 Master Plan and its Strategic Plan.  He played a significant role in project renovations at Rosewood Beach, the Recreation Center of Highland Park and Sunset Valley Golf Club.

Brian earned his Bachelor of Science Degree in Recreation Administration from Eastern Illinois University and is a Certified Parks and Recreation Professional (CPRP).  He is a graduate of the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) Revenue/Management School, Indiana University Executive Development School, and was a Board Regent for the Illinois Parks and Recreation Association (IPRA) Leadership Academy.  Prior to joining the Park District of Highland Park, Brian was the Superintendent of Recreation at the Carol Stream Park District where he worked for seven years.  Early in his career, he held various managerial roles for 24 Hour Fitness Inc., City of Yorba Linda, CA; Wheeling Park District; and the Northbrook Park District.

“Over the past ten years, Brian has brought unique ideas and leadership that align with the mission and goals of the Park District of Highland Park,” said Park Board President Brian Kaplan. “We’re confident he will continue to position our organization for future growth and success serving the Highland Park community.”

Brian Romes replaces Liza McElroy who retired in February 2019 after ten years of service to the Highland Park community.