Among the many deserving candidates for our Full-Time Employee of the Year, one name stood out, receiving three separate nominations and ultimately earning a unanimous vote from both the SOFIE Committee and the Administration Team – Member Services Supervisor, Omayra Shofner.

Omayra has been an employee of Gurnee Park District since 2014. Over the years, she has consistently demonstrated exceptional leadership, dedication, and compassion, serving as a role model not only for her immediate team but for the District as a whole.

Since the inception of FitNation, Omayra has played a crucial role in connecting fitness to Gurnee residents and contributing meaningfully to the facility’s growth and success. When the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic threatened the fitness industry, Omayra provided extensive support to maintain operations while offering safe and secure options for members to continue their wellness journeys. Thanks to these efforts, FitNation has continued to grow, recently achieving over 5,000 members under her leadership and membership retention efforts.

Over the past year, Omayra embraced an even greater leadership role, taking on the supervision of Customer Service Operations at both Hunt Club Park Community Center and FitNation. She did so with grace and pride, fostering an empowering environment for staff and ensuring streamlined, high-quality service for customers. Her ability to lead with empathy, professionalism, and a solutions-focused mindset is deeply valued by both colleagues and customers alike.

Further, when it comes to assisting at special events, working extra hours to help cover shifts at the front desk, or organizing the Gurnee Days food vendors, Omayra is always ready to lend a hand. Not only is she willing to help, but she does so with a sense of joy, initiative, and dedication for her role, her teammates, and Gurnee Park District. Omayra’s empathy, understanding, and thoughtful follow-through do not go unnoticed, actively inspiring those around her to do the same through their daily actions and interactions. One nominator shared, “Two of Omayra’s most admirable qualities are her kindness and compassion. Her inclusive nature helps foster a sense of belonging within the team and community.”

With this said, we are proud to recognize Omayra Shofner as the recipient of this year’s SOFIE Full-Time Employee of the Year Award, in honor of her outstanding contributions, leadership, and lasting impact on our district.