ROCHELLE — A new director has been hired for the Flagg-Rochelle Community Park District after board commissioners completed candidate interviews Monday night.

Jackee Ohlinger was chosen by board members to fill the executive director position that has been vacant since March.

“Tonight the Flagg Rochelle Park District is excited to announce that we have hired Jackee Ohlinger as our new executive director,” park board president Tim Hayden said. “Over the course of the last month, we accepted 14 applications and conducted eight interviews and feel confident that Jackee is the best candidate to lead the park district into the future.”

Since graduating from NIU with a degree in Sports Business, Ohlinger has worked in many areas of sports and recreation. Along with extensive experience as a coach and club volleyball administration, she currently serves as the recreation supervisor for the park district. In total Jackie has served the park district for five years.

“We look forward to working with Jackee as she continues to bring her passion and energy to Rochelle community. Jackee is just the leader that park district needs as we continue to increase the positive impact our local park district can have on the quality of life throughout Rochelle. We thank all of the candidates who applied and look forward to the excitement ahead,” Hayden said.

“I’m really excited to be able to be in the this position. I’m looking forward to working with the staff… we’ve got a fabulous staff and I’m looking forward to continuing the work that we have been doing,” Ohlinger said. “We have made great relationships with the community and local businesses and I’m hoping to enhance the assets the park district has to offer.