Winnetka, Illinois – December 6, 2023 – The Winnetka Park District Board of Commissioners announced it selected Shannon Nazzal, CPRE as the new executive director for the agency. “Shannon brings a remarkably deep level of experience and expertise in recreation and government administration to the Winnetka Park District,” said Park Board President Christina Codo. “We are delighted she will lead the agency into the future. The Park District has a number of key projects ‘in flight,’ such as reopening the 9- and 18-hole golf courses, as well as advancing the Elder Lane + Centennial Beach Project. There are many other near term projects for which Shannon will be of great value. I join my fellow commissioners in welcoming Shannon to the Winnetka Park District.” Following an extensive national search and interview process, Nazzal will begin full-time duties February 1, 2024. “It’s an honor to be selected as the new executive director by the Winnetka Park District Board of Commissioners,” said Nazzal. “The Park District has so many great programs and facilities. It’s incredible. I look forward to working with the Park Board and staff, along with the Park District’s partners, to keep up the momentum.”
Nazzal most recently served as Director, Parks & Recreation for the Calvert County Government in Prince Frederick, Maryland. Previous experience includes recreation roles for the Martin County Board of County Commissioners in Stuart, Florida, and recreation roles for the City of Tallahassee (Florida). In total, Nazzal brings 18 years of industry-specific experience to the Winnetka Park District. Nazzal earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Physical Education, Sports Administration from Florida State University, as well as a Master of Science degree in Physical Education, Sports Administration from Florida State University. She went on to earn a Master of Public Administration degree from Florida International University. She currently serves as an adjunct professor at Frostburg State University (Maryland). “Shannon’s vision and lead-by-example style will be a great asset to the Park District” said Codo, who highlighted Nazzal’s key qualifications include securing accreditation at multiple agencies through National Recreation and Park Association’s Commission for Accreditation of Park and Recreation Agencies (CAPRA), and, notably, completing Atlantic Ocean and Chesapeake Bay shoreline protection projects and related coastal work.
Nazzal receives a three-year contract. She replaces John Peterson, who will serve as executive director through January, 2024.