Wheaton Park District Executive Director Michael Benard receives a total compensation package of $327,861, according to the district's FY2026 compensation disclosure filed under Illinois Public Act 097-0609.
The disclosure, based on data as of Dec. 15, 2025, lists 83 positions across the district's parks, Cosley Zoo, Arrowhead Golf Club and Lincoln Marsh. Benard's package is the largest by more than $130,000.
His $327,861 breaks down as $259,326 in budgeted wages, $29,202 in health and dental insurance, $14,432 in Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund (IMRF) contributions, $11,439 in FICA, a $7,200 auto allowance, $5,782 in sick payout and $480 in life insurance. The position carries 25 vacation days and 12 sick days.
The Board of Commissioners voted 7-0 at its Jan. 21 meeting to approve a 3.5% merit raise for Benard, retroactive to Jan. 1. At that meeting, Benard said the date marked the close of his 19th year leading the district. He was reappointed Executive Director at the board's May 20 meeting.
Other top packages
The second-highest total compensation belongs to the Director of Marketing and Development at $197,345, on budgeted wages of $153,339. The Director of Operations at Arrowhead Golf Club follows at $190,354, and the Director of Finance at $188,830.
The Director of Finance holds the highest base wage on the list at $161,585, exceeding the Director of Recreation ($141,449 base, $180,052 total) and Arrowhead's operations director ($140,958 base).
Cosley Zoo Director Greg Bockheim's total package comes to $160,450, built on $134,550 in base wages plus $9,462 in health insurance, $8,342 in FICA, $7,131 in IMRF, a $480 auto allowance and $485 in life insurance. Bockheim's position includes 20 vacation days and 12 sick days.
At Arrowhead Golf Club, the Golf Course Superintendent's total compensation is $173,051 and the Director of Golf Operations earns $143,588.
What the numbers reflect
The FY2026 disclosure uses figures from the FY2025 adopted budget, approved Dec. 17, 2025, as its baseline. A footnote states the actual amount paid "may change due to performance reviews, changes in personnel or market alignment adjustments."
Illinois law requires any IMRF employer to post total compensation for employees expected to earn $150,000 or more at least six days before the governing board approves the package.
The district also negotiated its 2026 health insurance renewal down from an initial 27.1% increase proposed by Blue Cross Blue Shield to a 9.9% overall increase, according to minutes from a Nov. 5, 2025 subcommittee meeting. The district covers 95% of HMO premiums and 85% of PPO premiums for employees.
Two positions on the disclosure are listed as open: Assistant Director of Marketing and Development ($132,609 total) and Special Events Manager ($123,784 total).
