Dupage County Forest Preserve Commissioner District 1

About

Susan Smentek is running to protect DuPage’s natural spaces, expand access to outdoor recreation, and build a greener DuPage for generations to come. A Certified Park and Recreation Executive and Illinois Master Naturalist with more than 20 years of parks and recreation experience, Susan serves as an Elmhurst Park District Commissioner. She will bring experienced, responsible leadership to the Forest Preserve District, with a focus on conservation, welcoming and accessible preserves, sustainable practices, and thoughtful stewardship of taxpayer resources.

Policy

Susan believes DuPage County’s Forest Preserves should protect nature, welcome everyone, and be thoughtfully planned for future generations. She supports preserving and restoring natural areas, expanding safe and accessible trails and outdoor recreation, and acquiring land strategically to protect open space and improve access.

She supports sustainable operations, including renewable energy such as solar and geothermal, and fiscally responsible stewardship of the District’s natural and financial resources. Susan believes decisions should be guided by sound planning, conservation science, community needs, and responsible long-term management.

Her goal is simple: protect what makes DuPage special while building a greener, more accessible, and sustainable DuPage for future generations.

Experience

Susan brings more than 20 years of professional experience in parks and recreation to her candidacy. She is a Certified Park and Recreation Executive (CPRE), an Illinois Master Naturalist, a manager with the Glen Ellyn Park District and Treasurer of the Glen Ellyn Chamber of Commerce.

As an elected Elmhurst Park District Commissioner, Susan has helped open two new parks and plan major new recreation facilities, giving her firsthand experience with public-sector governance, capital planning, budgeting, community engagement, and long-term stewardship of public lands and facilities.

Her combination of professional parks experience, conservation training, and elected board service gives her the practical experience to begin contributing to the Forest Preserve Board on day one.

Endorsements

Susan’s experience and commitment to conservation have earned support from leaders and organizations throughout DuPage County. She has been endorsed by DuPage Forest Preserve President Dan Hebreard, Forest Preserve Commissioners Barbara O’Meara, Jeff Gahris, Rick Gieser and Tina Tyson-Dunne, DuPage County Board Members Mary FitzGerald Ozog, Greg Schearze and Yeena Yoo, Elmhurst Oark Board President Kevin Graf, Saving Monarchs, and numerous other elected officials and community leaders.

These endorsements reflect broad confidence in Susan’s experience, collaborative approach, and ability to provide effective leadership on the Forest Preserve Board.