Posted on June 30, 2023
Jim Reuter is retiring July 21, 2023, after nine years as Executive Director at the Carol Stream Park District.
Accomplishments at Carol Stream include grant awards that helped support over $3.9 million worth of capital improvements. He was instrumental, working with local veterans and community members, in building the Town Center’s Veterans Memorial Plaza, a heartfelt collaborative three-year project.
Jim launched renovations to the Simkus Recreation Center, relocated the District’s preschool program there, built a new disc golf course, built a new pocket playground in an underserved area, and oversaw the $1.6 million renovation of mechanical systems at an aging Coral Cove Water Park.
Prior to Carol Stream, Jim served as Executive Director of Parks and Recreation for the Village of South Elgin for 18 years. He was program supervisor for the City of Elgin where he maintained facilities for the Elgin Sports Complex, and prior, a program supervisor for the Village of Oak Park.
When retired, Jim plans to continue his volunteer efforts as the Chairman of the Elgin Foundation, a member of the Elgin Recreation Board, and as a volunteer for Advocate Sherman Hospital. When he wants to “disconnect”, Jim plans to golf, ski, exercise, travel, and do yard work.
Sue Rini will become Executive Director at the Carol Stream Park District mid-July, 2023. Sue has 24 years of park district experience. As Deputy Director, Sue oversees Finance, Human Resources, Risk Management, Information Technology, Marketing, and Registration Services. She previously served as Carol Stream’s Director of Finance & Administration, Superintendent of Human Resources & Risk Management, and Recreation Supervisor. Before joining the park district, Sue worked in the private sector specializing in banking research and education.
Some of Sue’s accomplishments include consecutive GFOA Awards for Excellence in Financial Accounting since 2009, Distinguished Agency Accreditation since 2007, Gold Medal Award winner in 2002, 2008 and runner up in 2014, and a $37M referendum in 2010 enabling the construction of the Fountain View Recreation Center, McCaslin Sports Complex, multiple playground and recreational trail improvements. Sue has played a significant role in being awarded over $5.4M in grants.
Sue has served in a leadership capacity on numerous industry related advisory groups, committees and boards. She currently serves on the PDRMA Board of Directors and is an active member of the IPRA Accounting & Finance Section. She was also a speaker at various parks and recreation conference session, professional development and supervisor symposiums.
