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.

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.

Our Executive Director, 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. Mike’s eldest daughter, Emily, worked two summers for Gurnee Park District, and his middle daughter, Natalie, can be found working at the Hunt Club Park Aquatic Center during the summer!

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.

Mike has been an integral part of the Gurnee Park District since October 2010, having served as the Director of Business Services and Treasurer. His leadership in developing long-term financial strategies supported critical capital improvement projects and helped the District achieve recognition through GFOA awards for financial reporting and budget presentation. Beyond financial management, Mike played a pivotal role in many of the District’s most significant projects, including the acquisition and operational planning of FitNation as well as being the co-lead on the development and implementation of the current Comprehensive Strategic Master Plan.

With over 20 years of leadership, financial management, and strategic planning experience, Mike brings a wealth of expertise to the Executive Director position. Prior to joining the Gurnee Park District, he held key financial leadership roles, including Finance Director/Treasurer for the Village of Kronenwetter, Wisconsin, and Vice President of Finance and Administration at Topgolf USA.

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.

Sumitra Potharazu is new to Gurnee, although not new to Chicago or the Chicago suburbs. She joined Gurnee Park District in May 2025 as the Director of Business Services and moved to Gurnee in June. Sumitra and her husband, Pavan, have been living in Chicago, just a few steps away from Lake Michigan and the Mag Mile, since late 2024, which was something they had been wanting to do for a very long time. Before that, they lived in West Dundee where they raised their son, Archit Vishnu, who grew up taking part in almost every sport Dundee Township Park District offered. Now a physician, he still takes the time to play sports and participates in the annual Chicago Triathlon in August.

Gurnee Park District’s mission, values, and services mean very much to Sumitra, who started her career in with a Ph. D in Humanities, but moved to Business after getting an MBA in Finance from the University of Chicago Booth School of Business. Valuing government finance, she obtained targeted certifications: CPFO (Certified Public Finance Officer) and CGFM (Certified Government Financial Manager). Prior to her current role, she served as Controller for Chicago Children’s Museum and as Finance Manager for the Fox River Valley Public Library District. She is excited to be a part of Gurnee Park District, managing the everyday as well as the strategic business operations, all while collaborating with others in furthering the mission of ‘enriching community through fun and nature,’ service, ownership, inclusion, and excellence.

In her spare time, Sumitra loves to explore forest preserves and national parks. She also enjoys watching Shakespeare on stage and in parks, reading classics, going to Joffrey ballets, walking on the Lake Shore Trail, and learning about the iconic Chicago architecture. Some of her favorites are “Much Ado About Nothing”, “Anna Karenina”, and the Wrigley Building.