Longtime Lemont Resident Named Executive Director of Downers Grove Park District

Bill McAdam, a Lemont resident and longtime executive director of the , has resigned and will take the same position at the Downers Grove Park District.

According to an email McAdam sent to staff and Park Board Commissioners Tuesday morning, his last day with the District will be May 4. McAdam began with the district in 2003.

“While I am excited to take on a new challenge, it is difficult to leave a district that has at its core one of the finest most dedicated staff in the industry,” McAdam wrote in his email.

McAdam’s resignation follows closely that of Margaret Gienger, the former superintendent of marketing, who last month accepted a position with the Park District of Highland Park.

“It’s a sad day for the park district, but a great day for Bill and his family,” said Bob Mattingly, Park Board president. “I’m really happy for him. This new job will be 10 minutes from his house and a nice raise financially. Contrary to what some say, this is not the highest paying park district around.”

McAdam, who lives in Lemont with his family, was earning a salary of $127,000 in Oswego. The Downers Grove position could pay McAdam up to $160,000, according to the online job announcement.

According to a news release issued by the park district, McAdam began his career in parks and recreation at age 14 when he worked a concession stand with the . He received his undergraduate degree in parks and recreation, and master’s in public administration from St. Francis University in Joliet.

With PrairieFest just a couple of months away and the recent resignations of two top officials, Mattingly said he is not worried staff turnover will lead to problems with the planning of the district’s signature event.

“Bill has a great team in place to take over, and I’m sure they will handle things just fine,” he said.

As for finding a replacement, Mattingly said he will discuss a timeline with his fellow board members soon.

Editor's note: McAdam could not be reached for comment in time for publication of this story. Should he contact Patch, his comments will be added to this story. 

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