Arnold Randall appears on "Chicago Tonight" on Nov. 10, 2022. (WTTW News)
Just a year after championing a successful funding referendum, Arnold Randall has announced he will step down at the end of the year as general superintendent of the Forest Preserve District of Cook County.
“It has been an honor to be part of the legacy of leadership at the forest preserves,” said Randall, who was appointed to the position in 2010 by Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle.
“I thank President Preckwinkle for the opportunity and support, the staff for their vision and dedication, the Board of Commissioners for their backing, and the Preserves’ many advocates, volunteers, partners and collaborators,” he said in a news release. “Like you, I deeply believe in what the Forest Preserves provides, and I am proud of the work we have done together.”
Preckwinkle praised Randall as a “calm, collaborative and strategic leader” who transformed the preserves at every level, from organizational efficiency to habitat restoration.
“The list goes on and on,” she said in the release. “The changes over the 13 years he has been general superintendent have been extraordinary by every metric ... While none of us wants to see to see him go, he leaves an indelible legacy with the agency firmly headed in the right direction.”
Among Randall’s key accomplishments: Creation of the Next Century Conservation Plan; development of an independent advisory Conservation and Policy Council; increased commitment to restoring and protecting natural areas; implementing safety guidelines that allowed the preserves to remain open during the COVID-19 shutdown, which resulted in soaring numbers of visitors; and passage of 2022’s funding referendum, placing the preserves on a sustainable fiscal path.
Prior to joining the forest preserves, Randall held various positions with the Chicago Park District and served in Mayor Richard M. Daley’s administration, most significantly as commissioner of the Department of Planning and Development between 2007 and 2009.
Deputy General Superintendent Eileen Figel will serve as the interim general superintendent of the forest preserves beginning in January.
An announcement of Randall’s next position will be forthcoming, officials said.
Contact Patty Wetli: @pattywetli | (773) 509-5623 | [email protected]
