Lemont Park District Selects New Commissioner

Board of Commissioners has selected Brian Pepich to fill the remaining term of former Commissioner Mike Colaizzi, Board President Pat Sexton announced Wednesday.

Pepich, a 17-year resident of Lemont, is a longtime firefighter who has assisted the park district with several projects in years past, Sexton said.

Pepich will fill the position left by Colaizzi, to pursue a new career opportunity in California.

"Brian has been an active supporter of the Lemont Park District in a variety of capacities, from his formal support as precinct captain of our referendum efforts, to serving on our district's safety committee to playing an active role in securing $100,000 in in-kind donations for the construction of the Chicago White Sox Miracle Field of Lemont," Sexton said. "Brian has always looked for ways to positively promote recreation in our community.

Pepich said he's "thrilled to be taking on more active role in the Lemont community."

"I've been involved with various things for a long time, but this is an exciting opportunity to really make a difference and take on more responsibility in the park district," he said.

Pepich worked for the Westmont Fire Department from 1974 to 1979 before beginning a 31-year tenure with the Bolingbrook Fire Department. He served as a battalion chief, and was an executive board member for the Illinois Fire Chiefs Association.

In Lemont, Pepich has coached both baseball and basketball. He was a member of the Lemont Little League board of directors for 10 years, serving as president for five years.

He has spent the past two years volunteering as a community liaison on the park district's safety committee.

"I love working with families and other community members, so I think being a park district commissioner will be a perfect fit for me," Pepich said. "I really love this community and all the intergovernmental cooperation—I've seen it first-hand. I'm excited to be part of that."

Pepich said he is looking forward to working with the board of commissioners to build on the park district's recent successes.

"I have a lot to learn, but I think I bring a lot to the table and will be able to make some positive contributions over the next year," he said.

The park board will formally approve the appointment during its May 22 meeting.

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