The Illinois Professional Golfers’ Association has named the Forest Preserve District of DuPage County’s director of golf, Ed Stevenson, as the 2024 Illinois PGA Executive of the Year, one of the association’s highest honors.

This prestigious annual award recognizes a PGA golf professional who has demonstrated exceptional leadership in managing multiple facilities, overseeing course operations, guiding allied golf associations, or holding an executive role within the industry. As one of the highest honors the Illinois PGA can bestow, recipients are distinguished by their outstanding qualities of leadership, vision, courage, strong moral character, and a significant record of service to both the association and the game of golf.

Stevenson began his executive golf career in 2011 when he became director of golf for the Forest Preserve District of DuPage County’s three golf properties: The Preserve at Oak Meadows, Maple Meadows, and Green Meadows. Facing aging infrastructure, chronic flooding, and financial challenges, he saw an opportunity to transform the courses into multifunctional assets aligned with the Forest Preserve District's conservation mission. His visionary leadership redefined the sites as “golf preserves,” emphasizing their ecological and recreational value to the community.

In 2015, Stevenson led the ambitious transformation of The Preserve at Oak Meadows into an 18-hole public golf destination. The two-year project improved water quality in Salt Creek, restored habitats for wildlife, and increased the landscape’s capacity to hold an additional 20 million gallons of stormwater. These changes not only protected the course from damage but also addressed regional flooding issues. His leadership in the renovation earned multiple accolades from both golf and environmental organizations alike, including Golf Digest’s “Green Star,” Golf Inc.’s “Renovation of the Year,” and the “Force of Nature Award” from Chicago Wilderness.

Stevenson’s leadership extends beyond environmental sustainability. His innovative strategies have also made the Forest Preserve District’s golf operations financially sustainable, paving the way for future projects, including the upcoming renovation of the Maple Meadows property anticipated during the 2025 and 2026 golf seasons.

Promoted to executive director of the Forest Preserve District of DuPage County in 2016, Stevenson simultaneously balanced the role of top executive along with his responsibilities as director of golf for five years. During his tenure, he guided the Forest Preserve District through challenges such as the pandemic while expanding golf’s reach by hosting prestigious events, including the Illinois Senior Open, Illinois Open qualifying rounds, and Drive, Chip & Putt competitions.

Stevenson currently serves in dual roles as the Forest Preserve District’s executive advisor and director of golf. He remains actively involved with the Illinois PGA, serving on the Player Engagement and Finance committees and recently completed a two-year term as president of the Illinois Junior Golf Association.

“I’m honored to receive the Illinois PGA Executive of the Year Award,” Stevenson said. “Throughout my career, I’ve always believed golf courses can be powerful community assets — places where recreation, environmental stewardship, and personal history come together. I’m proud of what we’ve accomplished at The Preserve at Oak Meadows, Maple Meadows, and Green Meadows, and I look forward to continuing this work that blends the beauty of nature with the spirit of the game.”

According to the Illinois PGA, “Individuals honored with the PGA Golf Executive of the Year Award are held as a model PGA Professional.” Stevenson’s career continues to serve as a model for blending environmental stewardship, historical reverence, and community connection — qualities that help enhance the experience for more than 100,000 visitors to the Forest Preserve District’s golf preserves each year.