The Fox Valley Park District’s Board of Trustees on Monday announced the selection of Jim Pilmer as the district’s new executive director.

Pilmer becomes the sixth executive director in the Park District’s 68-year history. He takes over for Nancy McCaul, who recently retired after 30 years in the parks and recreation profession.

A lifelong Auroran, Pilmer brings a varied background to the position, with extensive experience in both the public and private sectors. Most recently, he worked as director of neighborhood standards for the city of Aurora and also served in an administrative role at Aurora University for three years prior to that.

From 2002 to 2009, Pilmer was director of parks and recreation for the city of Aurora, overseeing highly successful park projects and renovations that included McCarty Park, Solfisburg Park and Phillips Park, one of Aurora’s most popular destinations featuring such attractions as the Sunken Garden, Mastodon gallery, zoo, “Movies in the Park” and holiday lights tour.

Characterizing himself as a “compassionate public servant,” Pilmer says interaction and communication with residents are among his top priorities.

“I am visible, approachable and accessible; I like to be out there among the people I serve,” said Pilmer. “Developing good relationships with our residents fosters a culture of mutual trust and respect for all involved.”

Pilmer plans the same approach in dealing with the diversity of community groups, neighborhoods and the many constituents of the Fox Valley Park District.

“Building consensus through collaborative commitment is important to our mission as a Park District,” said Pilmer. “Continuing the excellent leadership and financial stewardship of taxpayer dollars — through innovative and cooperative partnerships with other governmental agencies — helps lessen the burden on residents.”

Pilmer also plans to continue the district’s self-imposed tax freeze. For the last four years, Fox Valley has maintained a zero-percent tax increase for residents.

“The Park District has done an excellent job keeping the tax rate flat, and that’s something we’re going to continue,” Pilmer said.

Fox Valley, the second-largest park district in Illinois, serves more than 233,000 residents in Aurora, North Aurora and Montgomery. In 2009, FVPD earned the nation’s highest honor in its class as a National Gold Medal Award winner for excellence in park and recreation management. This past year, Fox Valley Park District was a Gold Medal finalist in its first year of eligibility since winning. The district covers four counties and maintains 165 parks and 48 miles of interconnected regional trails amid 2,500 acres of parkland.

“We’re in the recreation business. We make people happy and we transform people’s lives through our programs, facilities and events,” said Pilmer. “I truly believe everybody should have the right to walk out their door and have access to a park, recreational facility, trail, open space or a part of nature to enjoy themselves.”

Fox Valley Park District Board of Trustees President Bob Vaughan said Pilmer’s long and varied history of board representation — including 23 years on the Waubonsee Community College Board — will serve him well in dealing with the wide range of diverse issues within such a large and growing park district.

“Jim is a visionary; a critical thinker with strong leadership capabilities who will pursue common objectives for the common good,” said Vaughan. “He is a respected community leader with a proven ability to work hard for the betterment of everybody he serves in our communities.”

For his part, Pilmer plans to take firm control of the wheel to steer the ship, but he doesn’t intend to change Fox Valley’s course.

“I surround myself with good people who are experts in their field, and I set high expectations for myself and staff; we will pay attention to details and stay accountable,” said Pilmer. “That is my leadership style; I lead the path, cut the red tape and let people go to work. That’s what I’ve done my whole public career.”

Pilmer will officially take over in his new role on Nov. 9.

SOURCE: Fox Valley Park District press release

About the Fox Valley Park District

The Fox Valley Park District is a dynamic and growing park district that serves a diverse population of more than 233,000 people. Recognized as an Illinois Distinguished Agency, Fox Valley holds the nation’s highest honor as a National Gold Medal Award winner for excellence in park and recreation management. Serving the communities of Aurora, Montgomery and North Aurora, the district maintains 165 parks and 48 miles of inter-connected regional trails amid 2,500 acres of parkland. For more information, visit FoxValleyParkDistrict.org or the Fox Valley Park District Facebook page.