PEORIA (January 26, 2024) – The Peoria Park District is proud to announce that Robert L. Johnson Sr, President of Peoria Park District Board of Trustees, was awarded the Mike Cassidy Commissioner Community Service Award through the Illinois Association of Park Districts (IAPD.)
This annual award is presented to a commissioner whose volunteer service to his or her community emulates the vision and voluntary efforts demonstrated by Mike Cassidy to improve the quality of life for those in his community. Recipients of the Commissioner Community Service Award will have demonstrated the highest example of community service, personal integrity and ingenuity.
Johnson was appointed to the Peoria Park District Board in 1995 and elected to his first term in 1997. In 2019, he was elected from the community-at-large as board president and was elected to that same seat in 2023. He is the first African-American to serve in this role. He is currently serving his sixth term on the board.
A lifelong resident of Peoria, Robert’s commitment to community service began before he graduated high school, with involvement in neighborhood associations and school advisory groups. He founded Gospel Fest, served as chair of River City Soul Fest, and has been a decades-long member of the Southside Community United for Change collaborative. He is a member of the Peoria NAACP Chapter, a past chair of the Central Illinois Agency on Aging, and was recently appointed to the Peoria Area Convention and Visitors Bureau Board. His dedication transcends the boundaries of Peoria with his service on the IAPD Board of Trustees and on several statewide committees.
He is the recipient of the 1999 Citizen of the Year Award from Men of Theta Xi, Graduate Chapter Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, recognizing outstanding community leadership. In 2001 and in 2012, he received the prestigious Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Drum Major Award for his community service. And, in 2001, he was presented the Hometown Hero award by the Peoria Area Convention and Visitors Bureau.
“Robert prioritizes relationship-building with local governments, advocating for the District’s role in larger community issues such as safety and youth engagement. He encourages staff and peers to emphasize customer service to create a warm, welcoming environment where residents can connect and improve their health and wellbeing,” stated Emily Cahill, Executive Director of Parks and Recreation for Peoria Park District. “We are happy to see him recognized with this prestigious award!”
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