Midwest Institute of Park Executives
Promoting education and cooperation amongst parks, recreation, and grounds professionals since 1938
Congratulations
to all the winners of
2025 MIPE Awards
Awards & Scholarships
The MIPE recognition program celebrates the outstanding contributions of professionals, staff local leaders, and volunteers who have positively impacted parks and grounds within their communities. Through this initiative, we aim to honor those who dedicate their time and effort to enhancing the natural beauty of recreation space that enrich our lives.
Every January, we host a special awards and scholarships luncheon, where we gather to recognize and commend these remarkable individuals for their hard work and dedication. This event not only serves as an opportunity to celebrate their achievements but also fosters a sense of community and collaboration among those who share a passion for preserving and improving our parks.
Continuing Education
Cody Wurst
Elmhurst Park District
Continuing Education
Isiah Rodriguez
Streamwood Park District
Continuing Education
Matt Page
Palatine Park District
Marvin Wolf Continuing Education
Zac Cline
Woodridge Park District
Perfect Attendance
Noah Mach
Cary Park District
Outstanding MIPE Park Employee
Spencer Clark
Community Park District of LaGrange
Outstanding MIPE Park Employee
Eric Powell
Deerfield Park District
Outstanding MIPE Park Employee
Julie Wodzinski
Dundee Township
Park District
Outstanding MIPE Park Employee
Ethan Weseman
Geneva Park District
Outstanding MIPE Park Employee
James Roti
Palatine Park District
Outstanding MIPE Park Employee & Ralph Voris Award
Rob Wantoal
Round Lake Area
Park District
MIPE Outstanding Associate
Kompan
Leigh Kminek, Tiffanie Sperling & Brian Redard
MIPE
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Park Professional of the Year
Blake Harvey
Village of Orland Park
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Presidents Award
Dima Kirland
Skokie Park District
MIPE
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Awards and Scholarship Descriptions
Continuing Education Award
MIPE is proud to offer continuing education scholarships for up and coming park and recreation professionals.
Marvin Wolf Continuing Education Scholarship Award
This award is given in honor of a long-time Executive Secretary Marvin Wolf.
Note: The Marv Wolf award winner is selected from the above Continuing Education applicants.
Outstanding MIPE Park Employee Award
MIPE members reward their exemplary employees with Outstanding Park Employee Award. All nominees are qualified to receive a Ralph Voris Community and Professional Service Award.
Ralph Voris Community and Professional Service Award
MIPE members reward their exemplary employees with Outstanding Park Employee Award. All nominees are qualified to receive a Ralph Voris Community and Professional Service Award.
Note: The Ralph Voris Award winner is selected from the above Outstanding MIPE Park Employee applicants.
Outstanding Associate Award
The MIPE Outstanding Associate Award is presented to a vendor member who has made exceptional contributions to the organization throughout the year.
Attendance Award
This award is given to any member with perfect attendance!
Professional of the Year Award
Nominate a deserving MIPE member for this most prestigious honor a member can receive!
President's Award
The MIPE President's Award winner is selected each year by the outgoing Board President. The award honors outstanding contributions to the organization.