Lisa Sheppard, CPRP has over 35 years of experience in the field of parks and recreation where she has worked for progressive, innovative and award-winning park districts in Illinois including Rolling Meadows, Gurnee and Glencoe Park Districts. Her resume is extensive, with experience in all major disciplines of the district including recreation, facility and parks management, public relations, marketing, fiscal management and long-range planning. For the last 11 years Lisa has been the Executive Director for the Glencoe Park District.
In 2018, under her leadership the Glencoe Park District became an Illinois Distinguished Accredited Agency and also was awarded the National Gold Medal in Parks and Recreation, the first time in their over 100 yr. history. Other outstanding achievements for Lisa include several state and national recreational honors including IPRA Professional of the Year and the IPRA Marcy Adams Spirit Award.
Lisa has had the privilege of working with and learning from exceptional leaders in our industry. Throughout Lisa’s career she has been active in professional associations, where she has held roles at every level including Chair of Illinois Park and Recreation, active member of the Distinguished Accreditation Committee, and founding member/board member or WILS (Women in Leisure Service). Lisa strongly believes in the benefits of IPRA, NRPA and the AAPRA and their important role in developing the future leaders in parks and recreation.
Lisa has overseen a variety of large facility improvement projects, oversaw the management of an aquatic center and a beach on Lake Michigan, developed innovative programs, fostered intergovernmental cooperation, and is a strong proponent of environmental and historical initiatives in her district.?Throughout her career she has spearheaded programs aimed at promoting social equity within and advocating for a more inclusive and diverse workforce. She has a true commitment to mentoring staff at all levels throughout the organizations that she has work with.
Lisa resides in Gurnee, Il with her wife Laura, is a proud Mom to a Daughter, Bonus Daughter and a houseful of dogs, where they have a passion for adopting senior dogs and spoiling them in their final years.