Tracy Chapman of Shorewood has been named incoming executive director by the Forest Preserve District’s Board of Commissioners. 

The Board voted unanimously on March 13 to promote Deputy Director Chapman to the post that will be vacated when current Executive Director Ralph Schultz retires in May.

“I am honored to have received the appointment for the incoming executive director,” Chapman said. “My main focus is teamwork and working with staff to achieve forest preserve goals while serving the public. Together we will focus on planned capital improvement projects, preservation and opportunities to promote inclusive recreation.”

Schultz of Plainfield has been with the Forest Preserve District for 32 years. He previously served as director of planning and operations and as a landscape architect for the District. 

Chapman has been with the Forest Preserve for more than 20 years. She was hired as a police officer in 2004 and became part of the District’s K-9 unit when she was partnered with bloodhound Rosie Redtracker in 2005. In 2009, she was promoted to lieutenant, and she was named chief of police in 2016. 

Since being named deputy director and public safety administrator in 2021, she has overseen the Forest Preserve’s conservation, operations and police departments. 

“I have been working with Ralph and other department directors to get ready for this transition, as well as taken classes and attended conferences outside of my purview,” Chapman said about her upcoming promotion in May. “Ralph is leaving big shoes to fill, but I am confident that he will remain involved and available. I am excited about this next role and working with my team to achieve our goals.”

Schultz said leadership changes are always exciting and challenging times for an organization. 

"I can’t think of a person better prepared to lead the Forest Preserve District of Will County at this time than Tracy," he said. "She and I have worked together in various roles for the past two decades and her commitment to the Forest Preserve's programs, initiatives and purpose is unparalleled. I trust that Tracy will work effectively with our Board of Commissioners and lead the staff toward continued success. Together, they will work to serve our residents and advance our ongoing effort to bring people and nature together."