Steven Mertes, MSCA, CASP+

Steven grew up in Bourbonnais, IL and Spring Lake, MI, before earning his A.A.S in Computer Information Systems and a B.A in Business and Applied Science with a focus on information technology. He began his career in the information technology space within the public school system, later migrating to IT in the social services sector. Mertes went on to earn his M.S. in Management Information Systems from Governors State University and transitioned his career into the private sector where he worked in technical and management roles for IT consulting companies. Throughout his career, Steven has earned numerous tech industry certifications. He returned to the public sector in spring of 2022, now serving as the Director of IT for the Naperville Park District, desiring to align his personal passion for serving others with an organization that serves the community every single day.

Q&A with Steven

Describe your path to the parks and recreation industry. Did you start your career from the beginning in this industry? If not, how did you get here and why did you pursue a job in this field?
My professional career started in the information technology space within the education and social services sectors; I later moved into the private sector. My return to the public sector, and the parks and recreation industry specifically, came from recognizing the opportunity to work with an organization that is focused on serving the community and holds a genuine commitment to supporting the health and well-being of its staff.

Please explain your specific role as succinctly as possible, including which department you work in.
In my role as Director of Information Technology at the Park District, I lead the IT Department and provide administration and support of key technology platforms critical to the District's daily operations including server and network infrastructure, computers, email and voice communication, and physical security technologies. We maintain an ongoing focus on end-user education and support to ensure effective information security.

What about your life in general makes this industry a good fit for you?
I've always enjoyed working with technology, but I could do that anywhere, and I have! I have also had a “call to serve” ingrained in me since I was young, through Scouting and by benefiting from a variety of mentors through the years. Working in the parks and recreation field, I get to blend my professional training with the opportunity to educate, support, and serve the community through the park district's operations and teams.

If you would recommend working in parks and rec to others, what reasons would you give to support your recommendation?
The parks and rec field truly is mission driven. We focus on community, stewardship, and healthy living, and that focus brings a real sense of purpose to what we do every day. That focus also helps provide the best kind of working environment, where people are encouraged to collaborate and support each other, all while maintaining a meaningful balance between work and personal life.

How would you explain to someone that parks and recreation is a great place for a career – regardless of their field of study, college degree or experience.
My own work is a testament to finding parks and rec as a great place for a career regardless of professional background; all organizations have a place for roles that aren't necessarily the most obvious. As a park district, we have numerous positions focused around community engagement, natural stewardship, and other clear fits, but we also have roles that typically are thought of in other fields – finance, marketing, engineering, trades work, IT, human resources, and more!

Any additional information that you feel is important to communicate about your career path, experience with the NPD, etc.
My tenure with the Naperville Park District to date has been relatively short, but it's here that I've found the best alignment with mission and purpose, along with finding a true balance with personal life that I've had in nearly 20 years of my career. Regardless of what vocation you pursue, there's likely a fit for you in parks and recreation.