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.

MARK SLADEK, Treasurer — Commissioner 2025
msladek@nbpd4fun.org
Mark Sladek began serving on the Board of Commissioners in November 1998. Since that time, Mark has won re-election in 1999, 2001, 2006, 2013, and 2019. Mark has held several positions on the Board of Commissioners, he is currently serving as Treasurer.
Mark, who was born in Berwyn and raised in Cicero, currently resides in Berwyn with his wife Loretta and younger daughter Carol, his older daughter Stephanie is a Speech Language Pathologist out of state. 
Mark graduated from Morton East High School and received his Bachelor of Science in Recreation Administration from George Williams College. Mark worked as an Administrative Analyst specializing in finance and budgets. He retired in December 2012 with more than 30 years of service with the Forest Preserve District of Cook County. 
Active Member: National Recreation and Park Association, Illinois Association of Park Districts, and Illinois Park & Recreation Association

JOHN KEARNS, Commissioner — 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.

KELLY DIAZ, Commissioner — Commissioner 2029

Kelly Diaz and her family of five are long-time Berwyn residents and have been active members of the North Berwyn Park District for over a decade. Diaz earned two Master’s degrees in Education and has been a Spanish teacher for the last 17 years.
She plans to use her experience to focus on developing programs and events for teens in Berwyn because she believes it is important to keep our teens engaged. According to Diaz,”We need to show our teens we care by offering them fun activities and nights out.”
Diaz is also committed to working with lawmakers to help fill gaps in funding for the new capital improvement project at Mackin Park.  “It’s clear that Mackin Park is a priority to North Berwyn Residents,” Diaz said. “I will do everything in my power to ensure that lawmakers representing North Berwyn understand that we have waited too long. We deserve a park we can be proud of.”
As a Spanish-heritage speaker, Diaz is excited to help NBPD engage with the Berwyn Hispanic community.  “I want to make sure everyone is aware of the amazing events, classes and programs this park district offers. I am excited to engage with our Latino residents and make sure they are taking full advantage of everything we offer from toddlers to seniors and to make sure that their needs are served,” Diaz said.

ANGEL AVALOS JR. — Commissioner 2029

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.

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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