Susan M. Smentek is running as a Democrat for DuPage County Forest Preserve Board District 1 in the Nov. 3, 2026, general election. She faces Republican Carolyn Ubriaco.

Asked why she is seeking the seat, Smentek said in our candidate questionnaire, "I want every resident—families, children, seniors, all of us—to have access to DuPage's extraordinary green spaces and the chance to make memories and share experiences there." She added, "I live in the older, more built-up eastern part of the county, where residents have less access to public green space, so protecting additional land and improving trail connections are especially important to me."

Candidate information

Party: Democratic

Residence: Elmhurst

Family: "I live in Elmhurst with my husband, a professional musician and member of the Chicago Federation of Musicians. We have three children pursuing postgraduate, undergraduate, and high school studies, along with our beloved dog, Tucker," Smentek said in our questionnaire.

Education: Smentek listed her degrees in our questionnaire as a "B.S. in Speech, with a concentration in Radio/TV/Film, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois" and an "M.A. in Music, Vocal Pedagogy, Northeastern Illinois University, Chicago, Illinois." She added in our questionnaire, "I am also a Certified Park and Recreation Executive (CPRE) and a certified Illinois Master Naturalist through University of Illinois Extension."

Experience and public service

Smentek described her work history in our questionnaire: "I have more than 20 years of experience in parks and recreation and am a Certified Park and Recreation Executive (CPRE). I currently serve as Sponsorship and Downtown Park Events Manager for the Glen Ellyn Park District and Managing Director of the Glen Ellyn Parks Foundation."

She added, "Previously, I was Cultural Arts Program Manager for the Elmhurst Park District and Cultural Arts Program Supervisor and Sponsorship Coordinator for the Morton Grove Park District."

Asked about her current public service, Smentek said, "I currently serve as an elected Commissioner of the Elmhurst Park District, where I am Co-Chair of the Finance Committee and serve as the Board's Legislative Liaison. I am also an Illinois Association of Park Districts Distinguished Board Member."

Asked what accomplishments show she can handle the job, Smentek said, "As Managing Director of the Glen Ellyn Parks Foundation, I led the team that raised more than $414,000 for Phase 1 of Prairie Path Park." She added, "In 2026, the Glen Ellyn Chamber of Commerce Board elected me Treasurer, another reflection of the trust I have built within the community."

On the issues

Asked what sets her apart from other candidates, Smentek said, "I roll up my sleeves and do the work. I bring more than 20 years of professional parks and recreation experience, not only board service. As a Certified Park and Recreation Executive and Illinois Master Naturalist, I bring both management expertise and firsthand knowledge of the ecosystems we are entrusted to protect."

She also said, "My Elmhurst Park Board service demonstrates how seriously I take the voices of voters … I listen carefully, believing elected officials have a responsibility to respect voter decisions and provide transparent, accountable governance."

On her campaign website, Smentek said she wants to expand trail connections, integrate renewable energy sources such as solar and geothermal across district operations, and acquire new lands in alignment with the district's Land Preservation Plan.