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PROPOSED RESOLUTION
HONORING THE CONTRIBUTIONS OF SHELLEY SPENCER, TO THE FOREST PRESERVES OF COOK COUNTY
WHEREAS, Shelley Spencer “Shelley” is a four-time Emmy award-winning producer specializing in documentary and public affairs programming; and
WHEREAS, while serving as Supervising Producer at WYCC TV in 2015, she produced Chicago’s True Nature, the Emmy award-winning documentary film on the Forest Preserves of Cook County “Forest Preserves” which demonstrates the benefits of nature, the impact of open land on our quality of life, and the vast biodiversity within one of the oldest and largest forest preserve systems in the nation; and
WHEREAS, Shelley was appointed by the President and Board of Commissioners to the Conservation and Policy Council of the Forest Preserves of Cook County where she served from January 1, 2019 to May 2, 2023, sharing her expertise in communications, media messaging, and brand strategy to help guide the Forest Preserves’ efforts to implement the Next Century Conservation Plan; and
WHEREAS, from January 1, 2021 to May 2, 2023, Shelley served as Secretary to the Conservation and Policy Council; and
WHEREAS, as co-chair of the Council’s Racial Equity, Diversity & Inclusion “REDI” committee, Shelley championed efforts to develop the Forest Preserves’ first Racial Equity, Diversity and Inclusion position paper, “Moving Toward Racial Equity in the Forest Preserves of Cook County,” which focuses on strategies to promote racial equity throughout the Forest Preserves, and a second position paper, “Amplifying Diversity and Inclusion,” which recommends actions to build on and broaden the Forest Preserves’ equity lens to include additional dimensions of diversity and inclusion; and
WHEREAS, Shelley has been a steadfast advocate for the Forest Preserves, immersing herself in nature through the programs and services, amenities offered, and visiting sites throughout the preserves.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that President, Toni Preckwinkle along with the Forest Preserves of Cook County Board of Commissioners, General Superintendent Arnold L. Randall, and on behalf of all residents of Cook County, do hereby extend appreciation to Shelley Spencer for her dedication, contribution, leadership, and outstanding service to the Forest Preserves; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that a suitable copy of this resolution be tendered to Shelley Spencer in recognition of her significant contributions to the Forest Preserves of Cook County.end