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

Asked why she is seeking the office, Ubriaco said in our candidate questionnaire: "This is the kind of work that I have done for over 30 years. It's what I love to do. DuPage has more than 26,000 acres of woods, prairie, wetland, and trail. I will protect and restore our natural areas and acquire land parcels using the grit and leadership skills honed from over 23 years as a park commissioner."

Candidate information

Party: Republican

Education: Ubriaco said in our questionnaire: "University of Illinois, Gies College of Business, B.S. Accounting"

Family: "Married 40 years with 3 children," Ubriaco said in our questionnaire.

Occupation and work history: Ubriaco said in our questionnaire that she works "for Christians Against Poverty to provide free one-on-one professional debt coaching and budget education to help anyone escape the misery of debt and transform their lives." Her prior roles, according to the questionnaire, include "Application Development Manager for Sales, Marketing & Customer Service," "Financial Business Manager for complex high-technology manufacturing," "Financial Auditor," "Independent Frequency and Loyalty Marketing Consultant to the largest cultural arts association in the Chicagoland area" and "Artist."

Endorsement: DuPage County Republican Central Committee, according to the county Republican party's website.

Experience and public service

Ubriaco has served as an Elmhurst Park District commissioner since 2003, according to BallotReady profile data. She also serves on the Illinois Association of Park Districts board of trustees, according to the Elmhurst Park District.

Asked about previous offices, Ubriaco said in our questionnaire: "23+ Year Elmhurst Park District Commissioner, elected 2003, 2009, 2015, 2021" as well as "Illinois Association of Park Districts Trustee" and "Illinois Trust, Trustee and Audit Committee Chair."

Asked what accomplishments she would cite as evidence she can handle the job, Ubriaco said in our questionnaire: "I led the park board through complex agreements involving the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, the National Park Service, the City of Elmhurst and others on issues including critical stormwater mitigation. I helped raise funds for and establish the Playground for Everyone, an accessible playground among the first of its kind in DuPage County. I worked to eliminate the use of glyphosate by the Elmhurst Park District."

She added: "With a vision for the community's unmet and future needs I presented a formal board proposal to start the fact-finding steps and community engagement that led to a successful 2024 referendum and new Wagner Community Center set to open in 2027."

On the issues

Asked what critical differences separate her from other candidates, Ubriaco said in our questionnaire: "I've led community organizations for over 30 years including 23 years as an Elmhurst Park Commissioner with terms as president and vice-president. Commissioners statewide elected me to the Illinois Association of Park Districts Board of Trustees to help park, recreation, special recreation, conservation and forest preserve district leaders become better leaders."

She added: "I've worked to improve quality of life with vision for the future, accountability and an accessible listening ear. I have successfully advocated for, protected and acquired open space against the pressures of development … I take a multidisciplinary approach to opportunities and prioritize healthy ecosystems, strong communities and inclusion."

Ubriaco listed five priorities for the office in our questionnaire: "1. Protect open space, restore natural areas and acquire land in District 1. 2. Expand and keep trails and facilities safe and open to every age and ability. 3. Care for tax dollars with transparency and create lasting value for you and future generations. 4. Establish partnerships that grow community talent, magnify resources and develop appreciation for a healthy and beautiful ecosystem. 5. Treat stormwater as a resource for native habitats and keep problem flooding out of neighborhoods."