District staff include the following:


ADMINISTRATION

This department's function is to handle organization, master planning, financial review, land acquisition, site accessibility/use, easement standards and outreach, and other public concerns. It comprises the following positions:

  • Executive Director - Benjamin Haberthur - 630-208-8661
  • Executive Assistant - Gabriella Figliozzi - 630-444-1075
  • Administrative Specialist (2)

  • COMMUNITY AFFAIRS & ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION

    This department provides educational outreach, nature programming, special events and public information regarding the mission and activities of the Forest Preserve District. The department is made-up of two areas. Community Affairs includes all public relations, marketing, community events, grand openings, as well as management of the District's rental facilities -- the Barbara Belding Lodge and Creek Bend Nature Center. The Environmental Education side of the department operates Creek Bend Nature Center and provides nature programming there as well as in the forest preserves and elsewhere throughout the County. The goal of the department is to communicate with the residents of Kane County, through various media, all that the District has to offer. It comprises the following positions:

  • Director of Community Engagement- Laurie Metanchuk - 630-232-3955
  • Environmental Education Manager
  • Communications & Marketing Coordinator
  • Communications & Marketing Specialist
  • Naturalist (3)
  • Naturalist - PT
  • Events Coordinator - PT
  • Events Assistants - PT (5)
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    FINANCE

    This department's function involves budgeting and financial management, administering payroll, overseeing licenses and agreements, providing bid and purchasing processes, providing fund account reporting for the public and complying with all federal and state accounting practices. It comprises the following positions:

  • Chief Financial Officer - David Petschke - 630-444-1090
  • Accounting Manager
  • Buyer
  • Payroll Coordinator
  • Accounts Payable Specialist

  • HUMAN RESOURCES & VOLUNTEER SERVICES

    This department's mission is to support the goals and challenges of the Forest Preserve District of Kane County by providing services which promote an environment characterized by fair treatment of employees and volunteers, open communication, safe and healthful workplace, personal accountability, trust and mutual respect, and provide proactive and innovative solutions to workplace issues that support and optimize the operating principles of the District. It comprises the following positions:

  • Director of Human Resources - Jennifer Clough, SPHR, SHRM-SCP - 630-232-5921
  • Human Resources Generalist
  • Safety & Wellness Coordinator
  • Volunteer Coordinator
  • Stewardship Coordinator - PT

    PLANNING & LAND MANAGEMENT


    PLANNING & OPERATIONS

    The purpose of the Planning side of the department is to seek the highest quality of development and design for future growth of forest preserve sites; foster and encourage public participation; protect plans for future growth of the county in order to enhance the quality of life; work with local, regional, state and federal agencies to implement safe and effective programs and policies to protect natural resources; and prepare department budget and expenditures that provide the most beneficial use of District funds. The purpose of the Operations division is to maintain a high level of care for existing as well as new preserves, structures and trails; remain responsive to citizen requests; provide safety and regulatory standards; administrate employee growth as needed for new property acquisition. It comprises the following positions:

  • Chief of Planning - Jennifer Rooks-Lopez - 630-444-3095
  • Director of Operations - Jeremy Jensen - (630) 232-5983
  • Operations Manager (2)
  • Facility Operations & Trades Supervisor
  • Fleet Manager
  • Landscape Architect
  • Senior Ranger (8)
  • Ranger (12)
  • Master Tradesperson (2)
  • Mechanic
  • Horticulturist
  • Sign Specialist
  • Ranger Assistant (11)
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    NATURAL RESOURCE MANAGEMENT

    This division's function is to implement sound land management practices to preserve, protect and restore natural flora and fauna across the District holdings; promote, manage and track scientific research conducted on District lands; ensure overall preservation of biodiversity across all habitats; oversee planning for and development of District lands; pursue and secure grant monies to support land acquisition, scientific research and land management practices; and evaluate real estate for potential acquisition. It comprises the following positions:

  • Director of Natural Resource Management - Patrick Chess - 630-444-3147
  • Natural Resource Manager
  • Wildlife Biologist
  • Agriculture Coordinator
  • Senior Restoration Technician (2)
  • Restoration Technician (4)
  • Wildlife Technician
  • Plant Technician

  • PUBLIC SAFETY

    This department's function is to provide protection of facilities, natural resources and citizen users; deter occurrences of crime and provide a safe and recreational environment for citizens through pro-active enforcement and education efforts; provide security and traffic control for scheduled special events when requested. It comprises the following positions:

  • Director of Public Safety/Chief of Police - Paul Burger
  • Sergeant - Patrick Hayes
  • Police Officer (4)
  • Police Officer - PT (18)