Rebecca Roberts thought she was attending another routine awards luncheon when her name was called from the podium.
Instead, the Worth Park District board vice president found herself walking onstage Jan. 30 at a statewide conference to accept the Illinois Association of Park Districts’ Rising Star Award, an honor recognizing emerging leaders in park district governance.
The award is presented to board members with between one and six years of service who demonstrate outstanding performance and leadership. Roberts, who is still early in her first term, received the surprise recognition during a joint conference of the Illinois Association of Park Districts and the Illinois Parks and Recreation Association.
“Receiving the Rising Star award is an incredible honor,” Roberts said. “I’m thankful for friends and family who encouraged me to join this board and to step out of my comfort zone. This award isn’t just mine — it belongs to the entire Park District.”
Roberts has made her mark quickly. Less than a year into her tenure, she chaired the park district’s Local Government Efficiency Committee, guiding the group through a detailed review process that resulted in a public report aimed at strengthening community trust.
Her work continued beyond committee meetings. Roberts helped secure two Open Space Lands Acquisition and Development grants, including funding for community programming and additional state support. She also played a key role in passing a referendum, acquiring 30 acres of parkland and rewriting the Park Board Manual.
“Rebecca’s leadership abilities were very evident from the start,” said Robert O’Shaughnessy, the district’s director of parks and recreation. “She has accepted every challenge and has been a key person in the recent successes of the Park District — milestones that will shape our Park District for decades.”
One accomplishment Roberts points to with particular pride is encouraging all Worth Park District board members to complete the IAPD Board Development Program. As a result, the entire board achieved Master Level status, a distinction earned by only a small number of park district boards statewide.
Roberts also has taken on leadership roles at the state level. She serves on the IAPD Program Committee and the Joint Distinguished Park and Recreation Accreditation Committee. During her tenure, the Worth Park District earned Distinguished Accredited Agency status in 2025.
For Roberts, the recognition reflects more than individual achievement. It underscores what can happen, she said, when a board works collaboratively and commits to learning, transparency and long-term planning.
And while the Rising Star Award honors promise, those who know her say Roberts is already delivering on it.