Arnie Biondo, who served as the Forest Preserve District of DuPage County’s executive director since January will retire from the District effective Sept. 2. He will be replaced by John J. Lapinski, 53, the current court administrator for DuPage County’s chief judge.
“Arnie qualified for the early retirement incentive and decided to take advantage of its availability,” said D. “Dewey” Pierotti, president of the Forest Preserve District of DuPage County. “However, we’re excited and fortunate to have a man with John’s experience and background leading the District forward.”
Lapinski, an attorney, is a long-time DuPage County resident having lived in Oak Brook since childhood. He has served in administrative roles for the Illinois Supreme Court, the DuPage County State’s Attorney’s Office and other law firms. In 2009 he was named court administrator for the Office of the Chief Judge of the 18th Judicial Circuit Court. Lapinski also serves as a law professor for the Chicago-Kent College of Law and is a recognized expert in conflict and dispute resolution, having written dozens of articles on the topic for a host of legal publications.
“John is an outstanding administrator and well-respected throughout DuPage County,” said Pierotti. “He manages the high expectations of nearly 300 employees and judges throughout the county and I’m confident that he will be able to handle the high expectations of the DuPage community as well.”
Lapinski was given a three-year contract and will be paid $160,000 annually. He will begin Oct. 1.
“I’m excited to start a new chapter in my career,” said Lapinski. “The Forest Preserve District’s conservation and preservation mission is one I personally believe to be important, and I look forward to leading the District into the future.”
The Forest Preserve District of DuPage County owns and manages 25,000 acres of prairies, woodlands and wetlands. Each year its 60 forest preserves, 145 miles of trails, five education centers and scores of programs welcome over 4 million visitors. For information, call 630-933-7200 or visit dupageforest.org, where you can also link to the District’s e-newsletter, Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest and YouTube pages.