Karen Roche
Executive Director

When I began working at Woodhaven in May of 1979, I had just completed an Associate's Degree in Recreation. Being a part of the generation's whose reputation were as "movers and shakers", my intention was to stay a year, get some experience, and move on to bigger and better things. My first position was in the Department of Recreation as a programmer. Before I knew it 5 years had gone by and although I hadn't moved on, I certainly went on to bigger and better things. Within those 5 years, I served as Woodhaven's Recreation Manager and in 1983 was promoted to the Director of Recreation and Aquatics. Having had certificates as a Water Safety Instructor, Lifeguard/Lifeguard Training Instructor and Pool Operator, Aquatics Director was a great addition to my resume.

Eight years later, I was in my late 20s, and I left something very important unfinished - my education. I realized my focus had shifted more towards the administration of Woodhaven's services. In 1988, I received my bachelor's degree in business. With the combination of education in recreation and business and 15 years of experience with Woodhaven, I became the Association's Executive Director in 1993. Since this time, I have completed course work with the Community Association Institutes' Professional Management Development Program as well as other continuing education work with both Community Association Institute and the Illinois Park and Recreation Association, both of which I am a member.

On a personal level, I live in rural Amboy with my husband and daughter. My volunteer service is spent primarily with church needs; and, supporting the various school and extracurricular activities in which my daughter participates.