Gretchen Kostelny, Commissioner, Berwyn Park District Board of Commissioners. Gretchen is currently the Vice President and Senior Specialist in the Books & Manuscripts department at Hindman Chicago and has worked in the auction industry for over 12 years. She holds a Bachelor’s degree and a Master’s degree in English Literature. In 2021, Gretchen was elected to serve as part of the Board of Commissioners, and currently helps consult with fellow board members and the executive director on strategic initiatives. She is an advocate for accessibility in the parks, brings creative problem-solving skills to the board, and wants to ensure that the Berwyn Park District remains a good steward of public resources. Parks, the preservation of green spaces, and recreation have been integrally important throughout her life. She has played and coached sports at every level from park district leagues to competitive travel leagues. She previously served on the board of 6/15 Green, a community garden in Brooklyn, NY. Gretchen and her husband have lived in Berwyn since 2017, and her husband is the third generation of his family to call Berwyn home. Proponents of historic preservation and lovers of historic homes, the pair spend much of their time carefully restoring their 1926 bungalow. Gretchen, a native Marylander and proud “Midwesterner by marriage”, also enjoys walking and hiking with her energetic dog, and making time for anything relating to books!
