Richard "Rich" Grodsky has been the Executive Director of the Elmhurst Park District since January 1997. Beginning his career in 1970, Rich has served various communities in the Chicago area including Evanston, Chicago, Dundee, Morton Grove, and Park Ridge.
During his tenure in Elmhurst, he has had the opportunity to lead the agency in creating new facilities, programs and strategic planning which have garnered state, regional, national and international recognition. Awards include Nations in Bloom, IPRA's Best Facility Design, and NRPA’s Healthy Community Award to name a few. Rich is a member of the Illinois Park and Recreation Association and NRPA and has served on various committees including Chair of Joint Legislative Committee and Great Lakes Regional Council. He has worked with the Illinois General Assembly on various pieces of legislation, which has helped advance the profession in Illinois.
Rich is involved in his local community and has served on the Elmhurst Chamber of Commerce Board, the Elmhurst Economic Development Board and Rotary. He has been recognized as Volunteer of the Year by the Elmhurst Economic Development Board and was the recipient of the Chamber of Commerce's President Award and the Community Service Award from Elmhurst College.
Rich has a degree in Parks and Recreation Administration from the University of Illinois and currently serves on the Advisory Board for the College of Recreation, Sports and Tourism. He has been a guest speaker on the local, regional and national levels on various park and recreation trends and issues.