District Offices

Mike Palazzetti, Deputy Director, Operations 
Phone: (630) 933-7200 | Email: info-DepDirOPS@DuPageForest.org 

Bob Vick, Deputy Director, Natural Resources 
Phone: (630) 933-7200 | Email: info-DepDirNRS@DuPageForest.org 

• Oversees all District operations
• Coordinates responses to Freedom of Information Act-related requests. Contact Linda Klett, FOIA Officer at (630) 933-7200 or email foia@dupageforest.org
• Provides administrative support to the president and commissioners

David Guritz, Director
Phone: (630) 933-7200 | Email: info-EDU@DuPageForest.org | Education» 

• Provides educational, cultural and recreational enrichment opportunities that connect DuPage residents to District projects, services and facilities
• The director oversees administration and planning for the Education Outreach Division and the District’s five education centers
• Collectively offers on-site, off-site and online public education programs, tours, events, camps and other services for individual visitors, youth and adult groups, schools and DuPage teachers

Joe Benedict, Director
Phone: (630) 933-7200 | Email: info-ENV@DuPageForest.org  | Environmental Services» 

• Oversees monitoring, maintenance, and operation of environmental control systems at eight retired District-owned landfill sites, one former land-farming site and two gas-to-energy plants
• Provides environmental remediation support to other offices

Jack Hogan, Director 
Phone: (630) 933-7200 | Email: info-FIN@DuPageForest.org | Finance» 

• Collects revenues and promptly satisfies debts
• Safeguards financial assets and provides timely and accurate financial information to District management, bond holders, regulating agencies and constituents

Kathi Wagner, Director
Phone: (630) 933-7200 | Email: info-DEV@DuPageForest.org | DuPageForestGiving.org» 

• Develops ways for individuals and businesses to support the District’s mission of conservation, education and recreation with tax-deductible donations

Ed Stevenson, Director
Phone: (630) 933-7200 | Email: info-GLF@DuPageForest.org | DuPageGolf.com» 

• Manages and staffs the District’s three golf preserves, including the pro shops, maintenance facilities and food and beverage services

Laura A. Capizzano, Director
Phone: (630) 933-7200 | Email: info-HRS@DuPageForest.org | Human Resources»   

• Oversees recruitment, training and compensation analysis
• Handles employee benefit administration
• Enforces District policies and procedures
• Oversees safety and liability programs
• Manages the District’s Volunteer Services programming

Joe Potenza, Director
Phone: (630) 933-7200 | Email: info-ITS@DuPageForest.org 

• Oversees computer, network and data-communications equipment and support

Justin Frederick, Director
Phone: (630) 933-7200 | Email: info-LAM@DuPageForest.org | Recreation» 

• Maintains forest preserve grounds, buildings, vehicles and equipment
• Operates recreational facilities
• Administers permits and addresses visitor inquires

Kevin Stough, Director
Phone: (630) 933-7200 | Email: info-LAP@DuPageForest.org | Preserving Open Spaces» 

• Manages and maintains records related to land acquisitions and conservation-easement programs
• Assists with administering and maintaining databases of District property-related agreements (intergovernmental agreements, easements, leases, grants, etc.)
• Monitors developments that may affect District property by administering the public-notice review program

Tom Wakolbinger, Director 
Phone: (630) 933-7200 | Email: info-LAW@DuPageForest.org | Law Enforcement» 

• Enforces federal, state and county laws as well as District ordinances via sworn officers with specialized District-relevant training

John Oldenburg, Director
Phone: (630) 933-7200 | Email: info-NRM@DuPageForest.org | Managing Natural Resources» 

• Manages the District’s natural-resource preservation, restoration and conservation programs
• Surveys, restores, enhances, manages and maintains ecological conditions to sustain plant and animal biodiversity to protect and preserve these resources

Andrea Hoyt, Director
Phone: (630) 933-7200 | Email: info-PLA@DuPageForest.org 

• Develops master plans for District forest preserves by using resource-based design principles
• Implements and administers capital-improvement projects involving new structures, historic preservations, recreational facilities, trails and water-resource management
• Prepares intergovernmental agreements and manages license and easement requests 

Susan Olafson, Director
Phone: (630) 933-7200 | Email: info-PUB@DuPageForest.org | District News» 

• Produces brochures, signs, videos and the quarterly The Conservationist
• Promotes District events, responds to public emails and serves as the District’s media liaison