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Article by Elena Ferrarin
Communications Coordinator
Northbrook Park District
The Northbrook Park District and its staff received awards and recognition from industry colleagues at the 2026 Illinois Association of Park Districts opens in new tab/Illinois Parks and Recreation Association opens in new tab’s annual conference.
The IAPD/IPRA Soaring to New Heights Conference opens in new tab holds the distinction of being the largest state park and recreation conference in the nation. Awards are given at the association and section levels, as well as at Agency Showcase, which recognizes park district marketing and communication efforts ranging from print to multimedia. This year’s conference took place in late January in Chicago.
The Northbrook Park District earned the following honors:
- The organization earned an Exceptional Workplace Award, given to agencies that demonstrate a focus on employee wellbeing in a variety of ways, including stressing the importance of physical activity, professional development, safety, work/life balance, and diversity, equity and inclusion education/support.
- Executive Director Chris Leiner received the Parks and Natural Resource Management Section Distinguished Member of the Year Award.
- The Marketing and Communications team received three Agency Showcase awards: 2nd place for integrated photography, 2nd place for marketing campaign and 2nd place for written content.
- Digital Marketing Strategist Marybeth Stone took 1st place in the Recreation/People at Play category of the IAPD “Give Us Our Best Shot” photo contest. Her winning photo was featured on the cover of the January/February Illinois Parks and Recreation magazine.
Several Northbrook Park District staff members took on prominent IPRA leadership roles for 2026:
- Director of Marketing and Communications Joan Scovic was sworn in as chair-elect of the Board of Directors.
- Communications and Engagement Manager Deanna Angelini Johann was sworn in as Communications and Marketing Section Communication Director.
- Director of Human Resources and Risk Management Anna Olas was chosen as chair of the Health and Wellness Committee.
- Youth Program Manager Mary Freer was chosen as co-chair of the School Age and Day Camp Committee.
Northbrook Park District Board President Michael Goodman praised the accomplishments of the organization and its staff.
“Our community benefits every day from the talent and dedication of our staff, and they deserve to work in an exceptional workplace. I’m proud of the Exceptional Workplace recognition, which reflects the culture we’re building at the Northbrook Park District,” Goodman said.
“This starts with strong leadership from Executive Director Chris Leiner, who was recognized for all his efforts, and extends across our entire organization. I’m also proud to see our team taking on leadership roles across the profession, advancing our vision to be recognized as a national leader in innovative park and recreation services.”
