Park Board set to appoint new commissioner

(Editor’s Note: An earlier version of this article stated the new commissioner had been appointed. The appointment is expected to be finalized on Oct. 13.)

Julie Adrianopoli will become the newest member of the Wilmette Park Board.

Adrianopoli’s appointment was announced at the Park Board’s Committee of the Whole meeting on Monday, Sept. 29.

Park officials said she will be seated at the board’s next regular meeting on Oct. 13.

Adrianopoli will fill a seat left vacant by the resignation of Kara Kosloskus, who stepped down from the Park Board in August, citing a move out of town. Kosloskus was a previous Park Board president and had just been elected to a second term in April.

Park Board President Patrick Lahey spoke about the level of interest in the community for serving on the Park Board, saying that 12 people applied for the position.

“It was higher than I expected,” he said of the number of applicants, later adding, “It was wonderful to have that level of interest.”

The process consisted of multiple interviews and discussion among commissioners before Adrianopoli was ultimately selected, according to Lahey.

“We made sure every applicant was heard with phone calls and personal meetings, all of which were excellent,” he said. “The field was incredibly talented and challenged us. As much as we asked them questions, they asked questions of us back and helped inform us.”

He also thanked the park district staff and fellow commissioners for all the work they put into the eight-week process of selecting a new board member.

Speaking of Adrianopoli, Lahey said the board is “thrilled she accepted” their offer.

Adrianopoli has lived in Wilmette 16 years and holds marketing, MBA and teaching degrees and has run her own consulting firm, JEA Consulting Group, since 2008. The firm partners with philanthropic, nonprofit and government organizations.

Locally, Adrianopoli has volunteered with Wilmette District 39 schools, the D39 Educational Foundation and the New Trier Booster Club.

She told The Record she and her family are heavy users of Wilmette Park District facilities, from the early-childhood programs to recreational activities like paddle tennis and sailing to senior citizen offerings.

“I’m really excited for the opportunity to serve Wilmette through this role,” Adrianopoli said. ” … I’ve really and truly experienced everything the district has to offer and … it felt like the right time to think of different ways to be involved and give back.”

She also praised Kosloskus’ achievements while on the board and is looking forward to getting started.

“I’m excited. I’m a lifelong learner and looking forward to working with other commissioners and staff and a new executive director and working for the community’s interests,” Adrianopoli said.

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