The Homewood-Flossmoor Park District Board of Commissioners approved the appointment of Doug Boehm as the park district’s next executive director. He has been with the park district since 2006.
The park district did a national search to fill the position currently held by Debbie Kopas. She is retiring from the park district June 30 after spending 32 years in various positions.
Brent Bachus, president of the park board, said the commissioners worked with a search agency and were presented with a talented pool of applicants. The board had discussions with finalists.
“Each of these candidates brought a unique set of strengths and experiences to the table that any agency would be very fortunate to have. That said, one of these candidates stood apart from the others,” Bachus said in announcing the appointment at the special meeting of the board on May 2.
“We want staff to know we took this role (of finding a new executive director) and this decision very seriously,” said commissioner Linda Ojode.
“I was so proud of fulfilling this most important role that we have here. We looked far and wide in neighboring areas and states and you were right here in our own back yard,” said commissioner Debbie Dennison. “We know you have experience and the backing of all of us here.”
Boehm had been with the village of Orland Park parks and recreation department for 18 years before coming to the H-F Park District in 2006. He first was manager of the ice arena and then stepped in as superintendent of recreation. He held those positions for about six years before transitioning to the superintendent of parks and planning.
“While (Boehm’s) experience is certainly admirable, it is only matched by his heart and his longtime love and commitment to the H-F community,” Bachus said.
Boehm said he decided to seek the executive director’s position because “I felt I had one more professional challenge in me.” He said it wasn’t a hard decision because “I love the town I live in and play in. We have such a great staff here, it’s such a great vibe” in the park district and in the H-F community, he said. He looks forward to being a mentor to the young members of the staff.
Boehm, of Homewood, has a bachelor’s degree in recreation and parks administration from Illinois State University and a master’s degree in public administration from Governors State University.