New Executive Director Picked For Winnetka Park District

WINENTKA, IL — Park commissioners in Winnetka have agreed to a three-year contract with a new executive director.

Shannon Nazzal, currently the director of parks and recreation for Calvert County government in Prince Frederick, Maryland, is due to start the new role on Feb. 1.

Nazzal was appointed to succeed Winnetka Park District Executive Director John Peterson, who started in the job in April 2020 after serving on the board for four years.

"Shannon brings an impressive depth of experience and expertise in both recreation and government administration," said Park Board President Christina Codo, announcing the appointment.

Nazzal's recreation management background spans 18 years, past positions in Martin County and Tallahassee, Florida. She has master's degrees from Florida State and Florida International universities and currently works as an adjunct professor at Frostburg State University in Maryland.

"Her leadership will be invaluable as we embark on numerous key projects, including the reopening of our 9- and 18-hole golf courses and the advancement of the Elder Lane + Centennial Beach Project," Codo said. "We are excited to welcome Shannon to our team and look forward to her contributions."

Codo highlighted several of Nazzal’s achievements, including securing CAPRA accreditation for multiple agencies and her role in Atlantic Ocean and Chesapeake Bay shoreline protection projects.

"Shannon's vision and lead-by-example style will be a great asset to the Park District" said Codo.