Michael R. Kies, CPRE has over 25 years of diverse
experience in the field of parks and recreation, he currently serves as the
Superintendent of Recreation for the St. Charles Park District. He has also
served as the Director of Recreation & Facilities, Director of Facilities,
Director of Prairie Stone Sports & Wellness Center for the Hoffman Estates
Park District, Assistant General Manager; The Wellness Center, Northwest
Community Hospital, Facility Manager; Round Lake Area Park District and Youth
Sports Director for the McGaw YMCA.
Michael holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Recreation Business
Management from Elmhurst University, Elmhurst, IL and a Master’s Degree in
Business Administration (with a focus in Leadership and Organizational
Behavior) from Webster University, St. Louis, MO.
From 2021 through 2023 Michael served as the Chair of Board
on the Illinois Park and Recreation Foundation.
He has served as the Vice Chair of the Edroy Jenkins Scholarship
Board for NRPA’s Director School since 2012.
He serves on the Park District Risk Management Claims and
Coverage Committee representing over 200 Illinois Park Districts.
He served as the Member At Large on the Illinois Park and
Recreation Association Board of Directors.
Appointed by the Hoffman Estates Chamber of Commerce &
Industry Board to the position of Chairperson in 2016 and Vice Chairperson in
2015.
Team member who helped the Hoffman Estates Park District
receive 100% in 2013 and 2018 for NRPA’s CAPRA accreditation and
reaccreditation.
Member of the committee that received the 2014 Power of A
Silver Award for developing the Illinois Park Recreation & Association
Leadership Academy in partnership with the University of Illinois.
Member of the 2009 National Gold Medal winner application
committee for the Hoffman Estates Park District.
Member of the first paperless 2010 Distinguished Agency
Award winning committee for the organization.
First graduating class – NRPA’s Certified Park &
Recreation Executive (only 5 certified in Illinois 2012)
Received the Hero Award from the American Heart Association
for saving the life of a Hoffman Estates resident, presented by Governor Pat
Quinn
He was selected to participate in the National Agents of
Change initiative and traveled to Austin Texas to work on a project specific to
the migration between current and future Austin residents.
In 2013 and 2021 Michael received the Illinois Park and
Recreation Association Chairman’s award for professional of the year(s).
In 2013 Michael graduated from NRPA Director School and was
appointed as the class lead by his fellow professionals.
Spent four years working with Michael Jordan and 5 years
with the Chicago Bulls coaching team.
A native of Elmhurst IL, just outside Chicago, Michael
enjoys participating in adventure sport racing, antiquing the back roads of
America and spending time with his family in the northern woods of MI or the
beaches of South Haven, MI.
I was honored to be appointed to the AAPRA Membership, I
look forward to continuing to drive our mission, vision and action initiatives/items
forward!
It continues to amaze me and fill my bucket by the passion
and energy each member brings to our industry!