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, a Master of Science in Recreation and Sports Administration from Western Kentucky University, and a Master of Arts in Human Resource Management from Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota.

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

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.

While Liz has only lived in Gurnee village limits since 2013, she grew up in nearby Wildwood and is a graduate of Warren Township High School, so the Gurnee area has always been home. Over the years, Liz and her family have taken advantage of Gurnee Park District programs, facilities, and events, from swim lessons, soccer, the Aquatic Center, and Families on the Fairway. Liz also has an adult son with special needs who participates in many programs of Warren Special Recreation Association (WSRA), of which Gurnee Park District is a contributing member.

As a new member of the Gurnee Park District Board of Commissioners, Liz is excited to bring her passion for inclusivity and equity as a lens for engagement, policies, and decision-making. Her experience in public health, budget management, community engagement, and government will be assets in her role as Commissioner.

Liz holds a Bachelor of Science in Public Health from Western Illinois University. She has worked in the public health field for over 20 years at county and municipal levels in Lake County, Kenosha County, and the Village of Skokie. Liz recently transitioned to working for a nonprofit on affordable housing advocacy and is an active member of the “Live Well Lake County” coalition through this work.

In her free time, Liz enjoys going for walks in nature, cooking, live music, volunteering, and spending time with family and friends.

Sarah Beckmann is honored to be a part of the Gurnee Park District Board of Commissioners, and is excited to fulfill her desire to give back and serve the community she has lived in and loved for the past nine years.

Sarah credits the start of her teaching career to the many patrons and families she had the privilege of interacting with during her time working for a park district. She began as a Camp Counselor and later became a Site Director, where she discovered the joy of helping children grow socially and emotionally. Working as an After-School Counselor deepened that connection. Sarah saw firsthand how meaningful consistency, patience, and structure are for kids. Even in smaller roles, like volunteering at birthday parties, leading Days-Off activities, and helping at the front desk, she built relationships with families and learned how deeply a positive presence within the park district can influence a child’s growth and sense of community. These experiences didn’t just shape her skills; they sparked her calling. The encouragement, conversations, and feedback from patrons and park district staff helped her realize that education, working with youth, and making a daily difference were where she belonged.

Because of everything the park district and its families have given to her, Sarah felt called to give back in a new way. By serving as a board member, she’s seen firsthand how meaningful the district’s programs are, not just for kids but for entire families and neighborhoods. It’s where she found her purpose, developed as a leader, and began her path as an educator. Now, she wants to help shape and support those same opportunities for others. Serving on the Gurnee Park District Board is her way of continuing that cycle—giving back to the community that is helping raise her two children.

Gurnee Park District holds a special place in her family’s life. Both her daughter and son have grown up enjoying its programs, which have provided not only fun and learning but also support during difficult times. After Sarah’s daughter experienced an accident, the park district became a true saving grace, offering her a sense of comfort, normalcy, and connection that helped her heal. Sarah’s husband has also been closely connected to the District. He interned there as a student, which was an experience that helped him launch his career and led to his current role with a neighboring district. That early opportunity shaped his professional path and deepened his commitment to public service. For Sarah and her family, the park district isn’t just a resource. It’s part of their family’s foundation. It has shaped their experiences, strengthened their bonds, and become a meaningful part of their everyday lives.