Jim Goshorn has been a resident of Gurnee since 1993 with his wife, Mary Beth. Jim and Mary Beth have a daughter and son, both graduates of Warren Township High School and active participants in Gurnee Park District programs.

Jim holds Bachelor and Master Degrees in Education from Indiana University of Pennsylvania and is professionally employed as an operations manager at AbbVie.

Jim has served on the Board of Commissioners since 2009. Prior to the elected position, Jim was a volunteer coach and participant in multiple strategic and facility planning committees.

As a previous educator for over three decades, Vicki Paddock enriched the lives of countless students through her work in two different school systems. Through this role, and also as a mother to two wonderful sons, Vicki was able to see firsthand the importance of providing safe and engaging spaces for families. This is why, in 1993, Vicki decided to join the Gurnee Park District Board of Commissioners.

As a member of the Gurnee Park District Board of Commissioners for the last 30 years, Vicki has been a part of some of the district’s most notable successes. One of her favorite and proudest moments came in 2010 when the Park District won the coveted “Gold Medal”. This recognition validated years of hard work and commitment from the entire team, helping to showcase their dedication to delivering exceptional park and recreational experiences for all residents.

Looking forward, Vicki is excited to continue to play an active role in the future of Gurnee Park District – one that continues to thrive while also being a responsive resource to the Gurnee community.

After graduating from University of Central Florida with a Bachelor Degree in Political Science, Dalzot began his career in the industry working for organizations such as Walt Disney World Resorts, Major League Baseball, Orange County Parks and Recreation as well as the Park District of Oak Park. For the last five years, Dalzot has served the community of Lake Forest as a Program Manager. With a focus on the Lakefront facility in Lake Forest, Dalzot is not a stranger to the industry.  His professional responsibilities include staffing, programming and facility management for the City of Lake Forest.

As a resident of Gurnee for the last five years, Dalzot’s family has participated in swim lessons as well as Gurnee Park District’s before and after school CARE program. He also volunteers at Woodland School, where his children currently attend.

His reason for running for Park Board goes beyond his passion and involvement in the field.

“I wanted to show my young children that you can give back to your community and neighborhood.”

Dalzot is excited to give back to the Gurnee community, teach his children the value of volunteering as well as share his passion for drama and fine arts. Dalzot shared that there are a number of opportunities available to engage, grow and stay active throughout Gurnee.

“I’m looking forward to building upon the tremendous foundation already in place, especially relating to drama, theater and acting,” concluded Dalzot. 

Outside of parks and recreation, Dalzot enjoys sharing time with his wife Jessica and their two children, Starter and Annika. He is also an avid sports fan and music enthusiast, enjoying all genres from folk to metal and reggae.

Commissioner Gerry Crews was elected to the Board in April 2011. Gerry and his family have been residents of Gurnee for 25 years. He is active in community affairs such as: Gurnee Days, Exchange Club Events, and the annual Gurnee’s Relay for Life. Professionally, Gerry is a partner of JKR Financial Consultants, Ltd, a Retirement Planning Company, a Registered Representative with FSC Securities Corporation, graduate of University of Wisconsin’s CU Management School and has been in the banking, insurance and financial arena for over 30 years. He is a parishioner of St. Paul the Apostle and his younger children attend Warren Township High School.

Through the years, Gerry and his family have participated in many of the park district programs. “I am honored that the residents of Gurnee have elected me to serve as a commissioner on the Gurnee Park District Board. GPD has always provided a feeling of extended family to my wife and children through their exceptional programs and events. I look forward to bringing my passion for fiscal responsibility to future district planning and will focus on maintaining the high level of financial strength developed by my predecessors to ensure that such excellence continues to grow,” stated Crews.

Chrissie is no stranger to Gurnee, having been a resident since 2005. As a Gurnee resident, Chrissie and her family have enjoyed participating in a variety of Park District programs, events, as well as making many visits to all of the wonderful parks available within the community. This is why when the opportunity to join the Gurnee Park District Board of Commissioners presented itself, she jumped on it.

For Chrissie, joining the Park Board provides not only a chance to give back to the community, but also the opportunity to be more involved with something she’s always had a passion for – parks and recreation. “I really look forward to giving my time to support the Park District and all it provides to the community,” shared Chrissie.

Chrissie holds a Bachelor of Science in Advertising from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, as well as a Master of Science in Recreation and Sports Administration from Western Kentucky University.

Outside of Gurnee Park District, Chrissie and her family enjoy spending time outdoors, playing sports, and involving their dogs whenever they can.

Susie Kuruvilla entered the field of parks and recreation in 1997 as the Superintendent of Business Services for Gurnee Park District. By 2006, she was selected as the District’s Executive Director. Since then, Susie has served on such committees as IAPD’s Joint Legislative Committee, IPRA’s Finance Committee, the PDRMA Health Benefit Committee, and NPRA Board. Locally, Susie is involved in the Gurnee Exchange Club, serves as a Board Member for WSRA, and is a member of HCHY (Healthy Community Healthy Youth). Susie also has a passion for health which helped spearhead the GO Gurnee walking movement as well as the acquisition of the Gurnee Park District’s fitness facility, FitNation, in 2016. Susie hopes to continue to impact lives by expanding parks and recreational opportunities for all.

Our Director of Marketing and Community Relations, Jennifer Gilbert, fondly recalls her earliest memories of Gurnee Park District including riding her bike through Viking Park, using her Park District pool pass to swim at the High School pool or “PIT” almost daily and a memorable fall themed ribbon cutting event at O’Plaine park, adjacent to her childhood home. “I have always been connected to Gurnee Park District in one way or another,” she stated.

Prior to her employment at Gurnee Park District, Jennifer’s relationship continued to grow as a sponsor of district special events with her previous employer. When she discovered an opportunity to bring her marketing and communication expertise to the Park District she knew it was the perfect role for her.

Jennifer was hired as the Marketing and PR Manager in 2008 and since then has not only expanded marketing and communication efforts through many advertising channels, she has spearheaded social media for the District, expanded community and media relations and built a team of marketing professionals that care for the brand, communications, advertising and sponsorship opportunities.

Jennifer has served on many committees including a Village of Gurnee Diversity Committee, past Gurnee Rotary Member, PR Council of Lake County Member and past chair, Live Well Lake County Be Active: Walking Action Team Co-Chair, Business Education Partners Program Member (BEPP), United Way of Lake County marketing advisor and several other committees and action teams throughout the community and Lake County.

Jennifer was promoted to Director of Marketing and Community Relations in April of 2016 after the successful brand launch of FitNation and rollout of Gurnee Park District’s newest health movement, GO GURNEE.

“I am so very proud to work for Gurnee Park District and look forward to finding ways to better serve our community every day!” Jennifer added.

Melissa Marsh joins Gurnee Park District with a wealth of experience in the field of parks and recreation. Most recently, Marsh served as Division Director of Recreation and Museum Services at Glenview Park District, where she oversaw and supported the district’s comprehensive recreation and aquatics department, as well as the district’s museums: The Grove, Historic Wagner Farm, Kent Fuller Air Station Prairie, and Schram Memorial Chapel. Prior to working in Glenview, Marsh was the Director of Parks and Recreation with the Village of Lincolnwood, where she managed parks and facilities, recreation programs, special events, community partnerships, and capital improvement projects. Her background also includes serving National Gold Medal Award-winning and Distinguished Agency Accredited communities such as the Park District of Oak Park, Fox Valley Park District, and Homewood-Flossmoor Park District. 

Marsh holds a master’s degree in public administration from Governors State University and a bachelor’s degree in Recreation, Sport and Tourism from the University of Illinois. She is a graduate of the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) Revenue Development and Management School and the Illinois Park and Recreation Association (IPRA) Leadership Academy. She is also a Certified Park and Recreation Professional (CPRP). 

Throughout her time working in the field, Marsh has admired the many ways in which the Gurnee Park District builds community and creates a fun environment where people of all ages can grow. “I’m thrilled to be joining the Gurnee Park District and am excited to work with the team to continue providing innovative programs and services in support of the district’s mission,” shared Marsh. “I am passionate about parks and recreation, both as a professional and in my personal life.” Outside of the office, Marsh enjoys being outdoors exploring parks and trails.

Kraig Owens has been a part of the Gurnee community since 1988. From playing youth soccer to taking karate classes in the Viking Park Dance Hall to Gurnee Days Board Member and President, Kraig has always been involved and a part of his community. His fondest memories with Gurnee Park District include being a volunteer soccer coach and his time spent on the parks team in a part-time role throughout high school and college.

As a member of IPRA (Illinois Park and Recreation Association) and NRPA (National Recreation and Park Association) Kraig’s career has served a variety of Park District’s throughout Illinois.  He began his career in the field as the Assistant Athletic Director for Wheaton Park District . Soon after, he took the next step in his career as the Program Manager for Athletics and Camp for the community of Glencoe. Kraig valued continuing education earning his M.S. in Recreation, Park & Tourism Administration from Western Illinois University as well as industry certifications; CPRP (Certified Park and Recreation Professional), CPSI (Certified Playground Safety Inspector) and CPO (Certified Pool Operator).

Kraig rejoined Gurnee Park District in 2015 as Safety Supervisor. Within this role, he aslo served as the Park District liasion to PDRMA (Park District Risk Management Agency).  In his new role as the Director of Parks and Planning, he will continue to keep safety top of mind, while sharing his passion and continuing to provide fun, beautiful parks, fields and facilities for the Village of Gurnee.

Our Director of Business Services, Michael Szpylman, grew up just next to Gurnee in Waukegan, IL. When he grew up in Waukegan, he was a heavy user of the Waukegan Park District playing baseball and soccer as well attending camp, visiting the pool and exploring the ravine and woods at Bowen Park.

Now as an adult, his entire family has been able to enjoy so much of what Gurnee Park District has to offer. In their younger years, Mike’s three daughters all attended preschool with the Gurnee Park District, as well as participated in many recreation programs such as dance, soccer, and youth musical theater, to name a few. During the summers, they stayed busy going to the Hunt Club Park Aquatic Center while attending the awesome summer camps offered (Outdoor Survivor Camp being a big favorite). Now, as the girls continue to grow older, they are finding their way into the next phase of the park district. This past summer, Mike’s eldest daughter, Emily, began her first job working for the Parks Department!

In addition, Mike and his wife, Vicki, continue to find time to enjoy working out at both FitNation locations, as well as getting in some friendly competition through a game (or two) of pickleball. They enjoy reminiscing of all the programs their family has been able to enjoy over the years, the amazing Gurnee Park District parks where they spent many weekends and nights, and so much more.

Prior to his employment at Gurnee Park District, Michael worked for the Arena Football League as controller and for TopGolf USA as chief financial officer. In 2009, Michael moved into the government sector as the Finance Director in Kronenwetter, WI. While working in Kronenwetter, Michael saw the Director of Business Services job opportunity for Gurnee Park District and jumped at the chance to come home to Northern Lake County in a career he loves.

Michael was hired as Director of Business Services in October 2010. As Director of Business Services, Michael oversees all financial aspects of the Park District including accounting, accounts payable, financial reporting as well as human resources and information technology.