The Mundelein Park and Recreation District has a new leader, replacing an executive director who is retiring after more than a decade of service, officials said.
Ron Salski started his new role May 1, coming to Mundelein from the Lake Bluff Park District, where he served as executive director for nearly 12 years, according to a statement from the Mundelein district.
In total, Salski has 26 years of parks and recreation experience between Lake Bluff, Wheeling, Hoffman Estates and the Salt Creek Park District in Palatine. He is set to earn an annual base salary of $160,000 in Mundelein, officials said.
A 12-year resident of Mundelein, Salski stated he and his family have participated frequently in park district programs and special events in the village. He called the new opportunity at the Mundelein Park District a dream job.
“I am honored to be serving the community that I love and making a difference in what I believe is the best park district in the state of Illinois,” he stated.
Salski also has served on numerous boards, including as board chairman of the Illinois Park and Recreation Association (IPRA), according to the Mundelein Park District. He also has been a team leader for the Illinois Department of Natural Resources Sand Management Working Group and treasurer of the Girls Feeder Basketball Advisory Committee.
He currently serves as the co-chair of the Illinois Association of Park Districts (IAPD) Research Council, according to the district.
Salski and his wife, Julie, who works as a special education teacher in Arlington Heights, have three children, the district stated. The family also has a cockapoo named Mowgli.
Margaret Resnick, the outgoing director at Mundelein, said Salski brings great experience and already has helped the park district navigate challenges created by the coronavirus pandemic.
Resnick officially is retiring at the end of May after 13 years with the district.
“While it will be very hard for me to walk away from this amazing agency and the fantastic team we have here, I know they are in good hands,” she said.
jnorman@chicagotribune.com
