HR0609 103RD GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR0609 LRB103 39243 ECR 69395 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois House of Representatives wish to congratulate Arnold Randall on his tenure as general superintendent of the Forest Preserves of Cook County (FPCC); and

WHEREAS, General Superintendent Randall was appointed as general superintendent of the Forest Preserves of Cook County in 2010; and

WHEREAS, Before his time at the FPCC, General Superintendent Randall served as director of the Office of Civic Engagement at the University of Chicago and commissioner of the City of Chicago's Department of Planning and Development; he also served in numerous roles with the Chicago Park District, including director of legislative and community affairs, director of planning and development, and lakefront area and south east region manager; and

WHEREAS, During General Superintendent Randall's tenure, the FPCC made notable strides in becoming a more transparent, accountable, and strategic government agency with an increased focus on restoring and protecting Cook County's most precious natural areas; and

WHEREAS, General Superintendent Randall's key accomplishments include implementing the Next Century Conservation Plan, developing a Natural Resources Master Plan, planning a multi-year Centennial celebration to bring new and diverse audiences to the FPCC, developing and launching strategic plans for camping, recreation, trails, and habitat restoration, creating an independent advisory Conservation and Policy Council comprised of civic and business leaders, supporting the rollback of a moratorium on prescribed burns and restoration work, increasing organizational structure within the FPCC, and the opening of five new campgrounds; and

WHEREAS, Under General Superintendent Randall's leadership, the FPCC successfully pursued a tax levy referendum with support from advocates that passed overwhelmingly in 2022, providing more resources for the agency's mission and putting the FPCC on a sustainable fiscal path; and

WHEREAS, General Superintendent Randall oversaw initiatives to promote sustainability, racial equity, inclusion, and diversity within the FPCC and with public outreach and relations; and

WHEREAS, General Superintendent Randall serves on the board of directors of the National Recreation and Park Association and has served as chair of the Chicago Community Development Commission and Chicago Wilderness; he has been active in numerous civic and professional organizations, including the Woodlawn Children's Promise Community, the American Planning Association, and the Illinois Park and Recreation Association; and

WHEREAS, General Superintendent Randall will be the new executive director of the Gaylord and Dorothy Donnelly Foundation, which supports conservation and arts organizations in Chicago and South Carolina; and

WHEREAS, General Superintendent Randall served the FPCC as a calm, collaborative, and strategic leader who always looked for ways to advance the mission of the FPCC to protect our natural places and connect more people to nature; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE ONE HUNDRED THIRD GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we congratulate Arnold Randall on his tenure as general superintendent of the Forest Preserves of Cook County (FPCC); and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to Arnold Randall as a symbol of our esteem and respect.