Chris Tompkins New Director of Recreation
Published 9/12/2024
The Bloomingdale Park District is pleased to announce the appointment of Chris Tompkins as the new Director of Recreation, succeeding Sandy Vangundy, who is retiring after nearly 30 years of dedicated service in the position. Chris will begin his new role starting September 23.
“Chris has been an invaluable member of our team for more than 12 years, and we are thrilled to see him step into this leadership position,” said Joe Potts, Executive Director. “His ability to connect with the community and his approach to recreation programs have made a lasting impact. We are confident that under his guidance, our programs will continue to thrive and evolve to meet the needs of our residents. I have no doubt that Chris will lead our Recreation Department with the same passion and commitment that have defined his career.”
Chris brings a wealth of experience from his time as Recreation & Facility Manager, where he demonstrated strong leadership and organizational skills, managing a wide range of recreation programs and facilities. His responsibilities included overseeing the daily operations of the Johnston Recreation Center, Westfield Gym, and Oasis Water Park. He supervised the cleaning company, assisted with facilities security, created staff and facility schedules, and coordinated park and facility rentals. Additionally, he ensured smooth facility setup and takedown for programming, rentals, and special events. Chris also reviewed pool audits, collaborated with the pool coordinator to address issues, verified lifeguard training certifications, and worked closely with the DuPage County Health Department to support pool inspections.
Before his role as Recreation & Facility Manager, Chris served as the Youth Sports Director at Buehler YMCA in Palatine, IL from July 2008 to November 2011. There, he developed and monitored the Sports Department budget, supervised staff, and managed payroll. He also coordinated youth and adult sports programs, fostered relationships with outside organizations, and recruited and trained volunteer coaches for youth leagues. His leadership extended to managing gymnasium schedules and partnering with the Palatine Park District to coordinate after-school programs.
Chris also brings valuable professional experience from his time as Regional Athletic Director at Indian Boundary YMCA, Recreation Program Supervisor for the City of Evanston, and Intramural Supervisor at Northern Illinois University.
Known for his commitment to community recreation and passion for providing high-quality programs, Chris has consistently shown dedication to enhancing the quality of life for residents. His background in program management, budget oversight, staff development, and facility operations make him an excellent fit for this role.
The Park District is confident that Chris’s leadership approach and understanding of the Bloomingdale community's needs will continue to build on the strong foundation laid by Sandy Vangundy. We look forward to seeing Chris's contributions in his new role and invite the community to join us in welcoming him as our new Director of Recreation.