Today, the Forest Preserve District of DuPage County Board of Commissioners voted to hire Anamari Golf Dorgan, CPRE, as the agency’s new executive director following a competitive search process.
Dorgan has served as the District’s director of Community Engagement since 2017 and will begin her new role immediately.
“Anamari has earned the trust and respect of staff, partners, and the community through years of thoughtful leadership and dedication to the District’s mission,” said Forest Preserve District President Daniel Hebreard. “We’re excited to see her lead the organization into its next chapter.”
As executive director, Dorgan will oversee District operations and administrative functions while supporting the Board of Commissioners.
“I am honored by the board’s confidence and grateful for the opportunity to continue working on behalf of our residents, board, and staff in an even
broader capacity,” Dorgan said. “For more than a century, the Forest Preserve district has protected forests, prairies, wetlands, and other vital natural spaces within one of the region’s most developed counties while connecting people to nature through conservation, education, and outdoor recreation. I look forward to building on that strong foundation while helping advance the Forest Preserve District’s mission and long-term priorities for future generations.”
Throughout her career, Dorgan has led teams through change, managed complex public-facing operations, built productive partnerships, secured grant funding, and aligned mission-driven work with community expectations. She will help guide the Forest Preserve District as it advances major conservation, restoration, education, and visitor experience projects across DuPage County.
Prior to joining the Forest Preserve District, Dorgan served as executive director of the Rock County Historical Society and held leadership roles at The Morton Arboretum. Her earlier career included exhibition development and project leadership at The Field Museum.
Former Executive Director Karie Friling left the District in mid-May to become Sarasota city manager.
About the Forest Preserve District of DuPage County
The Forest Preserve District of DuPage County improves the quality of life for all DuPage County residents. Its 26,000 acres of woodlands, prairies, wetlands, and waterways contribute to cleaner air and water, help with flood control, create vital habitats for wildlife, and provide safe spaces where people can boost their physical and mental health. More than 5.9 million people visit its 60 forest preserves, 175 miles of trails, seven education centers, and scores of programs each year. For information, call 630-933-7200 or visit dupageforest.org, where you can also link to the District’s e-newsletter and Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, TikTok, and YouTube pages.