New Executive Named

A Message from Susan Rochlis, President
As we continue to celebrate Gordie Kaplan's contributions to ACA Illinois, we are pleased to announce that the Board of Directors has appointed Colette Marquardt as the new Executive Director beginning February 1, 2016. We are thrilled to have Colette continue to share her passion for ACA's mission, talents and love of camp with our organization. 
 
Gordie will remain on staff as the Executive Emeritus until June 30, 2016. Beginning July 1st, Gordie will transition to volunteer and ACA member! Gordie is looking forward to continuing to work with our camps and members for years to come, only now as a volunteer!  

In addition to Colette's new role, we are excited to announce our new President of ACA Illinois, Mike Selep. Mike will also begin his new role on February 1st. Learn more about Colette and Mike below and help us congratulate and welcome them to their new roles by visiting our Facebook page and leaving them a message! 

Meet Colette 

Tagging along with her older sisters' Girl Scout troops, Colette developed a deep passion for camp at an early age. She attended camp growing up and joined the staff as a teenager. With an emphasis on tripping and community building programs, Colette went on to work at and direct resident and day camps throughout the Mid-West.

Colette served on the Board of Directors for ACA Illinois as Education Chair, Standards Visitor and Instructor and President-Elect. Many know Colette through her involvement in the Mid States Camp Conference. After serving as a speaker and volunteer, Colette was selected to serve as the Conference Chair and has continued to lead the Mid States community with a group of committed volunteers.

Colette moved from serving on the board to the staff role as Director of Operations, working with Gordie on the DFI Title XX program, Accreditation Program and serving the members of ACA Illinois. Colette, along with the other ACA Illinois staff successfully sent over 4,500+ youth and adults to camp last summer. 

After studying Women's Studies in college and through her hands on education in camp over the years, Colette learned that the power of camp goes beyond the campers and staff. Colette believes that the camp community and experience strengthens communities, the State of Illinois and the world around all of us. This is why she is so passionate about the DFI Title XX program and helping to get more youth and adults into camping and educating the public on the benefits of the camp experience.

As a graduate of the National Outdoor Leadership School and Wilderness Medicine Institute, Colette loves paddling the lakes of the Adirondack Mountains by canoe, singing around the campfire and spending time with family and friends. Colette lives in Chicago with her partner, Shena, and their large collection of books.

Colette begins as the Executive Director of ACA Illinois on February 1, 2016.

Meet Mike

Mike Selep, MPS, CPRP is the Assistant Director of the Fox Valley Special Recreation Association, which provides therapeutic recreation services for individuals with disabilities.
 
Mike has served for the last eight years as a board member for the American Camp Association Illinois. He has served as Secretary, Vice President and Chair of the Personnel Committee. He is excited to serve in the role as President starting in February.
 
He received his BA from Gustavus Adolphus College in Speech Communications and Political Science and Masters in Public Service from DePaul University. He is a Certified Park and Recreation Professional (CPRP) and has worked within the recreation profession in a variety of capacities for the last 25 years.
 
Mike has enjoyed nearly every moment of his career by finding ways to incorporate his passion for working with people in a variety of settings and with a variety of populations.  He has served as the Professional Services Director and Interim Director with the Illinois Park and Recreation Association (IPRA), Program Coordinator with West Suburban Special Recreation; Special Projects Assistant, Accountant, Grant Administrator, and Information Technology Coordinator with the Schaumburg Park District; and the Superintendent of Recreation with Fox Valley Special Recreation Association. 
 
His is currently an adjunct faculty member with the University of St. Francis teaching courses in outdoor recreation and professional development. 
 
Most importantly, he is a proud husband to his incredible wife Julie and father of two out-of-this world children, 18 year old daughter Morgan and 13 year old son Joshua.

Mike begins his term as President of ACA Illinois on February 1, 2016.