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Renfro likely new park district leader

By Blackwell Thomas, The Southern

Tuesday, August 19, 2008 11:32 PM CDT

CARBONDALE - Members of Carbondale Park District's Board of Commissioners expect to announce the body's next executive director at their Sept. 8 meeting.

Commission members had their list of candidates reduced to one last week when the other candidate dropped out of the running for the post.

Two days before he was set to meet with commissioners last week, Kevin Lockhart of Bartlett sent an e-mail to the board and said he was withdrawing. He cited family circumstances.

Lockhart's withdrawal left Interim Director Kathy Renfro as the sole candidate for the job.

Commissioners are reluctant to say that Renfro's ascension to post on a full-time basis is assured, although it does appear likely.

Treasurer Carmen Suarez said the state's open meetings law forbids any decisions on the new director being made outside of a meeting.

"Our next meeting is Sept. 8," she said. "That's why we anticipate being able to make an announcement then."

Suarez praised Renfro when asked to describe how the 10-year district veteran has performed in her role as interim director.

"She's outstanding," Suarez said. "She puts in long hours. She's dedicated to the park district and the community. She did a tremendous job through our budgeting process. She participated fully and took charge."

Commissioner Carl Flowers also praised Renfro's service to the district but said, despite her status as the sole remaining candidate, the board does have options.

"We could interview additional candidates to go with the one candidate we have interviewed or do a whole new search," he said. "Given the time frame we have, that is not a likely option."

blackwell.thomas@thesouthern.com

351-5823