The Evanston Wilmette Golf Course Association, the non-profit organization that oversees operations of Canal Shores Golf Course, elected the new board and a team of community advisers at its Nov. 20 meeting.
Elected are Karl Leinberger of Wilmette, president; Steve Neumann of Evanston, vice president; Treasurer Ray Tobin of Evanston; and
Debbie Weixl, Evanston, secretary. The executive committee includes the officers and Chair of the Grounds Committee, Mike O’Connor of Evanston. The new leadership team will guide Canal Shores in 2019 and beyond as it celebrates a century of providing golf, recreation and open green space to the community.
Mr. Leinberger replaces Chris Carey of Evanston, who led the course through a period of dramatic growth and transition in the last two years as the board oversaw planning for golf course renovation, improvements and adoption of an ecological master plan; under his leadership the association broadened offerings including concerts and special events, with a greater focus on youth golf.
Newly elected to the Canal Shores board from Evanston are Brad Drake and Sherry McAuliffe; re-elected from Evanston are Carl Bova, Mr. O’Connor and Mr. Tobin. Re-elected to represent Wilmette are Mr. Leinberger and John Powers.
Current Board members include Chris Carey, David Fenn, Tom Mann, Steve Neumann, Tim Pretzsch and Debbie Weixl from Evanston; and Kevin Kane, Larry Mages, Don Olson, Todd Ricketts, Rudy Van Loon and Dan Wikel from Wilmette.
The board elected six associate directors, Rick Bald, Ellen DePodesta, Matt Rooney, Sonja Nordahl, David McPherson, and Matthew Waskerwitz, all of Evanston. Associate directors serve two-year-terms and participate on the Board, but do not vote. The board works closely with designated representatives of the City of Evanston Department of Parks, Recreation & Community Services Department and the Wilmette Park District.
The Association is also embarking on its annual end of year fundraising drive with the goal of raising $100,000 to fund golf course operations.
The Evanston Wilmette Golf Course Association Board of Directors meets monthly at the American Legion Hall, 1030 Central St. Meetings are open to the public.