Carol Stream Park District names new executive director

CAROL STREAM –The Carol Stream Park District has a new face on its leadership team.

Jim Reuter, the former director of the village of South Elgin's Parks and Recreation Department, began as executive director Monday. He was selected out of more than 30 applicants nationwide in a search conducted by the Illinois Association of Park Districts.

Reuter will replace former director Arnie Biondo, who left in early January to head the Forest Preserve District of DuPage County. Finance and Administration Director Sue Rini has served as the Park District’s interim director since Biondo resigned.

Reuter will be paid $130,000 annually as part of a three-year contract, according to a Park District news release.

Serving at Elgin Parks since 1997, he led his department to state accreditation. Reuter also secured $3.6 million in grants and oversaw multiple construction projects, including the restoration of shoreline and bike trails along the Fox River, the release stated.

The new director is an active member of the National Recreation and Parks Association, the Illinois Parks and Recreation Association, and the Illinois Association of Park Districts.

Reuter has served on the boards of the Fox River Ecosystem Partnership, the Illinois Parks and Recreation Association, and the Fox Valley Special Recreation Association.