Meet the Candidates: Park District of Highland Park Board, 3 for 2 six-year seats

JUMP TO: Steven Greenberg | Josie Beck | Thomas Vanden Berk

Three candidates, all newcomers, are competing for two six-year seats on the Park District of Highland Park Board of Commissioners.

Below are basic profiles of the three candidates, each of whom submitted a digital form upon request from The Record. The order they are presented was selected at random.

These profiles are just one layer of The Record’s election coverage and are meant to provide community members with basic information about those running for public office. Prior to the election on April 1, The Record will also conduct and publish independent interviews with the candidates.

Name: Steven Greenberg

Professional experience: Over 45 years of business experience in supply chain

Community experience/involvement: Founder of the Natural Areas Volunteer Program

• Environmental Education advocate

• Leader in ecological restoration and community engagement

• International environmental collaboration and leadership

• Served as commissioner of the East Skokie Drainage District

• Author and Educator

Why are you running for this public office?

My volunteer experience with the PDHP spans more than three decades, I am especially grateful to now be at a point in my life where I have the time and opportunity to leverage the knowledge and experience, I have gained over the years.

I am committed to supporting the Park District of Highland Park, helping to ensure it remains one of the top park districts in the country for generations to come.

Name: Josie Beck

Professional experience: With 20 years of business experience, primarily in the medical device field, I’ve built a career rooted in leadership, innovation, and teamwork. Recently, I launched my own company, Growing Happiness Garden Design, reflecting my deep commitment to green spaces and their role in fostering community well-being.

Community experience/involvement: As president of the Parks Foundation of Highland Park, I lead efforts to expand access to parks and recreational programs through fundraising, grant writing, and community partnerships. Additionally, I also serve as Edgewood’s PTO chair of philanthropy and sustainability, supporting key school initiatives such as the Northwood Day of Giving.

Why are you running for this public office?

I’m running for park district commissioner because my boys are actively involved in the park district’s programs, giving me firsthand insight into both the strengths and opportunities within our programs and facilities. Also, as president of the Parks Foundation, I’ve seen the positive impact that well-maintained parks and accessible programming have on our community. I want to bring my leadership experience, strategic thinking, and commitment to inclusivity to the Park Board to ensure we make smart, sustainable decisions that reflect the needs of all residents, including working families.

Name: Thomas Vanden Berk

Professional experience*: Retired president and CEO (30 years) of Uhlich Children’s Advantage Network, one of Chicago’s largest child-welfare agencies

Community experience/involvement*: Founder and chair of G-PAC (supports gun-sense candidates); presently serving on five boards: G-PAC, First Nonprofit Unemployment Group, Grant Healthcare Foundation, Guitars Over Guns and Gun Violence Prevention Action Committee; past experience on Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence

Why are you running for this public office?*

Highland Park is blessed with a park district whose facilities are equal to that of any community on Chicago’s North Shore. Our challenges: to maintain and improve current facilities, to effectively manage personnel, and to wisely develop future plans. My background gives me special insight into meeting these challenges.

*Answers pulled from resume/bio submitted by candidate with request from candidate

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