Thom Palmer retires as Executive Director of the Huntley Park District

HUNTLEY – The Huntley Park District has been responsible for many of the structural advancements in our community, but this December, it is undergoing a renovation of its own. Thom Palmer is retiring as Executive Director after 23 years in the position and Scott Crowe, the former Director of Recreation, will step into the role.

Palmer earned a bachelor’s degree in from Western Illinois University and a master’s degree in the subject from Aurora University, both in Parks and Recreation Administration. His extensive study in his field of choice made him an excellent candidate for the first Executive Director in the Huntley Park District. He accepted the position because he hoped to be part of the national upward progression in the Parks and Recreation field.

Dr. William Awe described Plamer as the “head, heart, and soul of Huntley” during his speech on Palmer’s retirement on December 1, 2021.

Awe also mentioned Palmer’s other achievements, including the forming of the HAART (Huntley Area Administrator’s Round Table) group that meets and cooperates to make business decisions about the best for Huntley. Palmer has managed construction projects and worked with key important people in the district, such as Dave Johnson and Mike Yackle.

“It’s the heart of Thom Palmer to work with others and share the victory,” said Awe in his speech. “It’s his passion to make things better and include anyone who wants to belong. It’s his love to build things and build up people.”

When asked about his accomplishments in the district that he’s particularly proud of, Palmer cited the purchase and building of the Pinecrest Clubhouse and its adjoining golf course, completion of the Stingray Bay Aquatic Center twenty years earlier, and the transformation of Huntley High School into the current rec-center and Cosman Theater.

Thom Palmer’s decision to leave this year was in line with his plan to retire at sixty and travel with his wife to see their children around the country.

“I felt that I had done as much as I could do for the Huntley Park District,” said Palmer.

Scott Crowe, Palmer’s successor, concurred and spoke highly of him, particularly for living what he preaches and for his passion and involvement in the industry. He also praised Palmer for raising his family here, participating in the programs he promoted, and volunteering to coach local sports.

“When you’ve immersed yourself in the environment in your personal life, it certainly helps in your professional life,” said Crowe.

Crowe called Palmer “quite the pioneer,” and hopes to emulate his mentor’s positive attitude and level head during his time as Executive Director. Palmer returns Crowe’s sentiments and has complete confidence that Scott will move the district forward.

Thom Palmer is grateful and appreciative of the community and staff during his time at the Park District, particularly former Park Board President Chuck Yerke for hiring him in 1998 and having complete faith in him to lead the park district into a promising future.

Palmer’s love and passion for improving the parks and recreational areas of Huntley were reflected in his immersion and utter devotion to the community where he lived and worked. The best way to thank Palmer for his years of service is to offer input to the Parks and Recreation department on how to continue improving our lovely village.