HEIDI STOLT
Wauconda,IL
Summary
Accomplished recreation executive generating $2 million+ in annual revenue while reversing a projected $500,000 deficit into a $100,000+ surplus. Increased summer camp revenue by over $130,000 and Cultural Arts revenue by 176%, demonstrating strong leadership in strategic program development and community engagement.
Overview
1
1
Certification
12
12
years of professional experience
Work History
Manager of Recreation Programs
Crystal Lake Park District
09.2023 - Current
- Provide executive leadership for one of the District's largest operating divisions, overseeing recreation services generating more than $2 million in annual revenue.
- Contributed to transforming a projected $500,000 operating deficit into a $100,000+ operating surplus through strategic planning, operational efficiencies, and revenue growth initiatives.
- Increased Summer Camp revenue by $130,000+, Extended Time revenue by $70,000+, Dance revenue by $10,500+, and Theater revenue by approximately $10,000 year over year.
- Increased Cultural Arts revenue by 176% through strategic program expansion and enhanced community programming.
- Manage significant portions of the 02 and 11 operating funds, improving financial performance by nearly $500,000 compared with budget projections.
- Oversee billing for the District's largest revenue-producing programs, strengthening financial reporting, revenue collection, and operational processes.
- Lead 4 full-time supervisors, 1 recreation intern, 284 seasonal employees, and 20 independent contractors, while mentoring future leaders and fostering professional growth.
- Direct major community events, including Friday the 13th, Cardboard Boat Regatta, Concerts in the Park, Movies in the Park, Flannel Fest, and Beer in Hand Kickball, strengthening community engagement and enhancing the District's visibility.
Recreation Aquatics Supervisor
Crystal Lake Park District
04.2019 - 09.2023
- Increased Independent Contractor revenue from $59,000 to more than $182,000 through strategic program expansion and partnerships.
- Doubled swim lesson participation and revenue by expanding program offerings and improving customer service.
- Expanded marina dry storage capacity by 135%, increasing available spaces from 17 to 40.
- Managed operating budgets exceeding $250,000, ensuring fiscal accountability and efficient resource allocation.
- Supervised daily operations of aquatics facilities, including scheduling, training, and leadership of 75+ seasonal employees.
- Developed and implemented comprehensive safety protocols, enhancing patron safety and reducing operational risk.
- Expanded marina dry storage capacity by 135%, increasing from 17 to 40 spaces.
Recreation Supervisor
Village of Lake Zurich
03.2014 - 12.2018
- Managed $1.2 million annual operating budget, overseeing diverse recreation programs and community events to maximize community engagement.
- Increased dance program enrollment by 325%, growing participation from 80 to 340 participants.
- Led Village's weekly Farmers Market while coordinating signature community events, fostering local participation and community spirit.
- Planned beach expansion project, enhancing recreational space to increase accessibility and enjoyment for community members.
- Collaborated on the design and implementation of playground and park improvement projects.
- Contributed to achieving American Camp Association (ACA) accreditation for the Summer Camp program.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Applied Life Studies (Leisure Studies)
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Urbana-Champaign, IL, USASkills
- Executive Leadership
- Strategic Planning
- Budget & Financial Management
- Revenue Generation
- Recreation Operations
- Program Development
- Staff Leadership & Development
- Community Engagement
- Operational Excellence
- Risk & Safety Management
- Community Events
- Partnership Development
- Organizational Growth
- Customer Experience
Certification
- Certified Park and Recreation Professional (CPRP)
- Illinois Park & Recreation Association (IPRA)
- National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA)
Earlier Leadership Experience
- Superintendent of Recreation – Wildwood Park District
- Assistant Superintendent of Recreation – Hanover Park Park District
- Recreation Supervisor – Hanover Park Park District
- Substitute Teacher – Wauconda CUSD #118
- Recreation Intern – Highland Park Park District
- City of Elgin Parks & Recreation Department
Executive Highlights
- 25+ years of progressive parks and recreation leadership.
- Direct recreation operations generating $2.09M in annual revenue while managing $1.67M in operating expenditures.
- Lead 4 Recreation Supervisors, 1 Recreation Intern, 284 seasonal employees, 20 independent contractors, and 300+ peak-season staff.
- Improved Recreation Fund performance by nearly $500,000 above budget projections.
- Transformed a projected $500K operating deficit into a $100K+ positive operating position.
- Generated $220K+ in year-over-year revenue growth across Camp, Extended Time, Dance, and Theater.
- Increased Cultural Arts revenue 176% and Independent Contractor revenue 208%.
- Lead large-scale community events serving thousands annually.
Timeline
Manager of Recreation Programs
Crystal Lake Park District
09.2023 - Current
Recreation Aquatics Supervisor
Crystal Lake Park District
04.2019 - 09.2023
Recreation Supervisor
Village of Lake Zurich
03.2014 - 12.2018
Bachelor of Science - Applied Life Studies (Leisure Studies)
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign