Mike is an emeritus member since his retirement in 2023 after nearly 37 years of service in the park and recreation industry. Mike retired from the Palatine Park District (Illinois) after 12 years as their Executive Director and prior to that he served as Executive Director of the Batavia Park District (Illinois) for 13 years.
Mike has founded and is the current CEO for Plan4Action, LLC a small consulting firm assisting park and recreation agencies from across the nation with strategic planning, professional development and training, as well as the best and next practices to help advance a client's vision and move their agencies forward in an innovative and progressive manner. Interested members and visitors alike can learn more about Mike and Plan4Action at www.plan4action.net.
Mike is a graduate, board member and past instructor of the Indiana University Executive Development Program. He has an undergraduate degree from Illinois State University in Park and Recreation Administration and also earned his MBA from the Lake Forest Graduate School of Management. Mike also is a graduate from the NRPA Revenue Sources Management School. He was inducted into the Academy in 2015 and has been an active member with the Externship Program and committee serving as Chairman twice. Mike has been an active member with both the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) and the Illinois Park and Recreation Association (IPRA) for more than 30 years. Serving on Joint Conference Committees, State Certification, Joint Legislative and served as the First Chairman of the Illinois Park and Recreation Foundation for nine years.
Mike has been honored with his service to his community and industry culminating being awarded the Illinois Robert Artz Lifetime Achievement Award, the IPRA Professional of the Year Award, IPRA Fellow Award and the Illinois Meritorious Service Award. Mike has authored seven various articles in Illinois Park and Recreation Magazine and has presented on a myriad of topics at national, state, regional and local conferences and workshops.
Mike now resides in Osprey, Florida on the gulf coast and is enjoying retirement (consulting part time) while playing golf, swimming, beach and pool time and traveling to visit with family and friends