Lake County Executive and Leadership Team

Angela Cooper, the Director, Finance Administrative Services & Chief Financial Officer at Lake County, oversees the fiscal health and budgetary planning for all land acquisition projects. By managing the allocation of public funds, the Director, Finance Administrative Services & Chief Financial Officer ensures that every dollar supports the maintenance and expansion of protected natural areas. Angela Cooper directs the financial reporting processes that provide transparency to the board of directors and the public. This leadership role involves coordinating administrative services to streamline procurement and payroll operations across the district. Through rigorous financial oversight, the Director, Finance Administrative Services & Chief Financial Officer maintains the economic stability required for long-term environmental stewardship. By aligning fiscal strategies with the organizational mission, the Director, Finance Administrative Services & Chief Financial Officer secures the necessary resources for ongoing land preservation efforts and public facility improvements throughout the region.

Phillip DeRuntz, the President at Lake County, leads the board of directors in establishing policy frameworks for land use and public access. By chairing board meetings, the President facilitates consensus on critical environmental initiatives and capital improvement projects. Phillip DeRuntz drives the strategic vision for the district, ensuring that all decisions align with the core mission of preserving open space for future generations. This leadership role involves representing the interests of the constituents while balancing ecological needs with recreational demands. Through active engagement with community stakeholders, the President fosters support for conservation efforts and sustainable land management practices. By overseeing the governance structure, the President ensures that the organization operates with accountability and efficiency. This focus on high-level policy direction allows the district to effectively manage its vast portfolio of natural assets while responding to the evolving needs of the local population.

Terry Croyle, the President at Lake County, focuses on the expansion of public recreational programs and the enhancement of visitor experiences within the forest preserves. By directing the development of new trail networks and educational facilities, the President increases the accessibility of natural resources for the community. Terry Croyle manages the collaborative efforts between the board and external environmental partners to secure additional land for conservation. This leadership role involves evaluating the impact of current programs on local biodiversity and public health. Through the promotion of outdoor engagement, the President strengthens the connection between the public and the natural environment. By prioritizing the maintenance of existing infrastructure, the President ensures that all preserves remain safe and welcoming for visitors. This strategic emphasis on community-facing initiatives allows the district to maximize the social value of its land holdings while maintaining a commitment to environmental integrity.

Marlene James, the Chief Technology Officer at Lake County, directs the modernization of digital infrastructure across all forest preserve operations. By implementing advanced geospatial mapping tools, the Chief Technology Officer enhances the ability of the organization to monitor land health and public trail usage. Marlene James architects secure network environments that support remote field staff and administrative teams alike. This leadership role involves evaluating emerging software solutions to improve operational efficiency within the governmental framework. Through the integration of cloud-based data management, the Chief Technology Officer ensures that critical environmental records remain accessible and protected. By prioritizing scalable technology investments, the Chief Technology Officer supports the long-term mission of land conservation. This strategic focus on digital transformation allows the organization to maintain high standards of public service while managing complex ecological data sets across the entire county landscape.

Chris Blanding, the Chief Information Officer at Lake County, manages the enterprise data architecture and cybersecurity protocols essential for governmental transparency. Overseeing the digital communication channels, the Chief Information Officer ensures that public information regarding land access and preserve regulations remains accurate and readily available. Chris Blanding drives the implementation of robust information systems that facilitate seamless collaboration between the board of directors and administrative departments. This leadership role involves mitigating cyber risks to protect sensitive public records and internal organizational data. By optimizing information flow, the Chief Information Officer improves the responsiveness of the district to community inquiries and environmental reporting requirements. Through the deployment of reliable hardware and software solutions, the Chief Information Officer maintains the integrity of the technological ecosystem. This focus on information governance directly supports the broader objective of maintaining public trust in the management of open-space assets.