JIM KEARNS JR., President — Commissioner 2025
jkearns@nbpd4fun.org
Jim Kearns Jr. began serving on the Board of Commissioners in December 2011. Since that time, Jim won re-election in April 2013 and 2019, he is currently serving as President since August 2020.
Jim is a lifetime Berwyn resident along with his wife Paula, and their three children Benny, Bella and Billy. Jim is a Custer (Prairie Oak School),Lincoln Middle School and Morton West High School alumni.
Jim has been employed at Berwyn North School District 98 since 2005 as an Elementary School Teacher, since 1998 he has worked as an usher for the Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field during the baseball season.

JOHN KEARNS, Vice President— Commissioner 2027
johnkearns@nbpd4fun.org
John Kearns began serving on the Board of Commissioners when he was appointed in December 2019.  John is a life-long Berwyn resident along with his daughter, Lizzy.  John is a Custer (Prairie Oak) School, Lincoln Middle School, and Morton West High School alumni. John has been employed as a security guard since 2008.  In his spare time, John enjoys riding his motorcycle with members of his Motorcycle Club.  John has participated in several volunteer/fundraising experiences through Ride Janie Ride, Wounded Warrior Project, and Toys for Tots.John is looking forward to working with fellow commissioners and all stakeholders in assisting the North Berwyn Park District’s continuous growth and for it to be the best place for our community.

NESTOR ZAVALA— Commissioner
nzavala@nbpd4fun.org
Nestor Zavala proudly serves as a North Berwyn Park District Commissioner, bringing over a decade of experience in community program management and direct service. A U.S. Marine Corps veteran and first-generation Mexican American, Nestor has dedicated his career to supporting underserved populations, including veterans, seniors aging in place, families, and individuals experiencing housing insecurity.He holds a Master of Social Work from Dominican University and a Bachelor’s degree in Communication from Elmhurst University. Nestor currently works as a clinical therapist, where he applies a trauma-informed, person-centered approach to care. Fluent in both English and Spanish, he is committed to creating clean, safe, inclusive, and accessible park spaces for all North Berwyn residents—especially families and older adults.Nestor has led and collaborated on numerous community-based projects, including Lots of Compassion, Healing the Soul & Green Space, The Veteran Art Initiative, Operation ChiTown Salute, and Operation Enduring Service. These initiatives reflect his ongoing commitment to mental wellness, creative expression, environmental equity, and veteran support.With a deep-rooted passion for public service, local leadership experience, and endorsements from community leaders, Nestor continues to champion equity, engagement, and wellness through the work of the Park District.

ANGEL AVALOS JR., Secretary— Commissioner 2029
aavalos@nbpd4fun.org
My name is Angel Avalos, Jr. I was born in Chicago, Illinois  and grew up in the Pilsen area. After graduating from Archbishop Quigley Preparatory Seminary high school, I attended and graduated from the University of Illinois at Chicago with a B.A. degree in CriminalJustice. I later went back to school and received a Paralegal Certificate from Loyola University. I have been working as a Paralegal since 2012. I currently work for a law firm in Chicago dealing with complex deals, mergers and acquisitions and investment services.
I moved to Berwyn in 2010 with , my wife and started a family. We have enjoyed Berwyn’s beautiful parks, Pyrce Park classes, and parades. Angel has been a coach for several baseball teams in Berwyn and currently coaches for Pilsen Baseball Athletic League.
Angel looks forward to working as Commissioner for the North Berwyn Park District.
All FOIA requests should be directed and emailed to Angel Avalos Jr. at aavalos@nbpd4fun.org

JOSEPH C. VALLEZ — Executive Director 
jvallez@nbpd4fun.org
Joseph C. Vallez has worked in Parks and Recreation for approximately twenty nine years, he began his career with the Chicago Park District as a Program Coordinator, and later advanced to the position of Superintendent of Recreation.
Joseph held the position of Director for the Chicago Ridge Park District before returning to the Chicago Park District as a Park Supervisor for the Emiliano Zapata Aquatic and Cultural Center. Joseph was promoted and served for six years as an Area Manager for the Chicago Park District where he managed 12 parks and 5 swimming facilities before accepting the position as Executive Director of the North Berwyn Park District, a position he has held since October, 2000.
Joseph has been recognized for his community service, he has received numerous recognition awards including; American G.I. Community Service Award, the Latin American Police Association Community Service Award, the Berwyn Development Corporation President’s Award, the Chicago Park District Rising Star Award, Berwyn Hispanic Organization “Man of the Year” Award.
Joseph has served on community based Board of Director’s; Mujeras Latinas En Accion, the Berwyn Development Corporation, Chairman of the Berwyn Latino Business Committee, Teatro Luna Theatre, Southwest Suburban Special Recreation Association, West Suburban Special Recreation Association, American G. I. Forum Youth Committee, Attorney Registration and Disciplinary Commission.

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