Meet the Board
The Des Plaines Friends of the Parks Foundation Board Members:
President: Shawn Killian (president@desplainesfriendsoftheparks.org)
Shawn Killian currently works for a local Credit Union as an Operations Manager. He has brought over a decade worth of experience as an owner/operator of a restaurant in the NW Suburbs. The current President of the Friends for the past 8 years, Shawn was initially looking to get more involved in the community that he grew up in and was introduced to the old Des Plaines Friends of the Parks group by a friend of his. Shawn states, “The Des Plaines Friends of the Parks” is in a unique position in that it can directly impact the lives of families who need it the most here in Des Plaines. By providing our scholarships we can help those parents not only financially, but by allowing them to see their children participate in activities that will help them gain valuable social and leadership skills which will only help their development overall.”
Vice President: Jeanette Berard (vicepresident@desplainesfriendsoftheparks.org)
Jeanette Berard is the Project Manager for the Des Plaines Park District. Jeanette provided support to the Des Plaines Friends of the Park during the last 2 years as one of the District Liaisons and in 2021 was officially appointed as a Foundation Board Member. Jeanette helped to create the Dual Agency Scholarship Program, a simplified scholarship application that in-turn has provided more opportunities for residents to receive important funds from both organizations.
Treasurer: Gosia Telichowska (treasurer@desplainesfriendsoftheparks.org)
Secretary: Dharmesh Patel (secretary@desplainesfriendsoftheparks.org)
Dharmesh Patel works for Robinhood as a Senior Brokerage Product Risk Manager. Dharmesh has been a lifelong Des Plaines resident and wants to give back to the community that has given him so much. He aligns with the mission statement of the Des Plaines Friends of the Parks and believes that assisting the nearly 37% of the local population that is below the poverty line will only help future generations. He is an avid Cross-fitter, outdoorsmen & traveler, and generally a great time.
Board Member: Aris Garcia
Aris Garcia, a Streamwood Resident, was newly elected to the Foundation Board in 2020.
Board Member: Ken Rochau
Ken Rochau is the Building Services Supervisor for the Des Plaines Park District. He became a Foundation Board Member because he enjoys helping out organizations that help kids and he loves seeing the smiles on the kids’ faces when they’re having fun. In his free time outside of work and the Board, he enjoys Martial Arts, spending time with his family and is a Private pilot.
Board Member: Trish Romza
Trish Romza is the Accounting Specialist for the Des Plaines Park District. Trish was a long time Foundation Board Member and treasurer for the Des Plaines Friends of the Parks. She continued to volunteer and provided support to this organization throughout the past two years and in late 2021 was officially appointed as a board member. Trish is a Des Plaines Resident and has a passion to support her community.