Audrey Thompson
Director, Parks and Recreation Department
Professional Overview
Audrey Thompson is an experienced public sector leader with a strong track record in community services and parks management. As the Director of the Parks and Recreation Department for the City of Evanston, Illinois, she oversees the strategic planning, operations, and development of the city's extensive parks system and recreational programs. With over a decade of relevant experience, Thompson is a respected expert in parks and recreation management, community engagement, and municipal government.
Experience Summary
Current Role
As the Director of Parks and Recreation for the City of Evanston since 2022, Audrey Thompson is responsible for managing a team of 50 professionals and overseeing an annual budget of $15 million. In this role, she has successfully implemented a comprehensive parks master plan, securing $2.5 million in grant funding to renovate three community parks and enhance accessibility. Under her leadership, the department has expanded its youth programming, registering a 20% increase in participation, and launched a popular outdoor concert series that has drawn over 10,000 attendees.
Career Progression
Prior to her current role, Thompson served as the Community Services Manager for the City of Evanston from 2020 to 2022, where she coordinated the city's long-term care ombudsman program and managed the senior center operations. From 2010 to 2020, she held the position of Long Term Care Ombudsman, advocating for the rights and well-being of elderly residents in local nursing homes and assisted living facilities. Throughout her career, Thompson has demonstrated a strong commitment to community engagement, public service, and the effective management of municipal services and resources.
Academic Background
Audrey Thompson holds a Master of Public Administration degree from the University of Illinois at Chicago, where she graduated with honors. She also earned a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Northwestern University, with a minor in Urban Studies.
Areas of Expertise
- Parks and recreation management
- Community engagement and programming
- Municipal government operations
- Grants management and procurement
- Strategic planning and policy development
- Budgeting and financial management
- Collaborative leadership and team building
Professional Impact
Under Audrey Thompson's leadership, the Evanston Parks and Recreation Department has been recognized for its innovative programming and commitment to sustainable practices. The department has received the Illinois Park and Recreation Association's Award of Excellence for three consecutive years, and Thompson was recently named the "Public Sector Leader of the Year" by the Illinois Municipal League.
Conclusion
Audrey Thompson is a seasoned public sector professional with a proven track record of transformative leadership in the parks and recreation industry. With her extensive experience, strategic vision, and commitment to community service, she is well-positioned to continue driving positive change and enhancing the quality of life for the residents of Evanston, Illinois.
