Title: Executive Director
Company: Macomb Park District
Location: Macomb, Illinois, United States
Education: MS in Recreation, Park, and Tourism Administration, Western Illinois University, 2012;
BS in Recreational Therapy, Western Illinois University, 2009
Career History: Executive Director, Macomb Park District, Illinois, 2017-Present;
Superintendent of Facilities & Special Events, Macomb Park District, Macomb, 2014-2016;
Director, McDonough County Special Recreation Association, 2009-2014;
Camp Coordinator, Northern Illinois Special Recreation Association, 2009
Rachel Lenz, Executive Director of the Macomb Park District, has been recognized as a Marquis Emerging Leader for their contributions and achievements in the field of public parks and recreation.
Mrs. Lenz was inspired to go into her profession after attending a mission trip in Wisconsin for a summer camp. She was able to work on service projects in recreation and found the work to not only be incredibly rewarding but to be filled with working with wonderful people. She continued exploring this passion in college and completed an internship in Chicago at a special recreation association. It was during this time, she received a great experience and a better feeling of the field. After her graduation, she was able to build a new position for herself and worked on engaging the community with the program, which for the long haul will be a strong organization.
Driven to help others in her community, Mrs. Lenz first earned a Bachelor of Science in recreational therapy from Western Illinois University in 2009. She continued her pursuits of the field at the institution, receiving a Master of Science in recreation, park, and tourism administration in 2012. She began gaining experience in the field as a camp coordinator with the North Illinois Special Recreation Association in 2009. From there, she fulfilled the role of director for the McDonough County Special Recreation Association from 2009 to 2014. From there, Mrs. Lenz joined the Macomb Park District as a superintendent of facilities and special events and was promoted to her current role, as executive director, in 2017. In her daily responsibilities, Mrs. Lenz exhibits her skills and expertise with the leisure industry, therapeutic recreation, student development, event development, community outreach, and facility management.
Mrs. Lenz enjoys the work she does every day and R attributes her success to the amazing people she has worked with, who have given her the tools and guidance along the way. She is also grateful for her professors and mentors, who have invested their teachings and time in her. With a strong academic foundation and tenacious spirit at work, Mrs. Lenz has received the Business Leader of the Year from the Macomb Chamber of Commerce in 2018 and Graduate of the Last Decade Award in 2017. Furthermore, she maintains professional affiliation with the National Recreation and Park Association, the Illinois Association of Park Districts, the Macomb County Rotary Club and the Macomb Area Chamber of Commerce.