EVANSTON, Ill. – Emily Guynn has been named Northwestern's Associate Athletic Director for Recreation, Combe Family Vice President for Athletics and Recreation, Dr. Derrick Gragg announced Thursday. She will lead the department's efforts in recreation, competitive (intramural and club) sports, fitness, aquatics and more.
"We're so excited to welcome Emily as the Northwestern family," Gragg said. "This unique and vital role is so often our liaison to the broader Evanston and surrounding communities for whom we offer health and wellness resources at the Henry Crown Sports Pavilion, our beaches, the sailing center, and more. Her extensive experience in the industry, and on the north shore, makes her an outstanding fit for, and our department will benefit tremendously from her strong leadership."
Guynn comes to Northwestern from the Wilmette Park District, where she led all aspects of the Recreation Department, including lakefront operations, recreational programming, and oversight of seven recreational facilities. Prior to serving as the Superintendent of Recreation at the Wilmette Park District, she held roles at the Skokie Park District and Glencoe Park District.
"Emily brings a wealth of experience, passion, and an understanding of the vital role that recreation plays in fostering a well-rounded college experience," Deputy Director of Athletics for Operations & Capital Projects Deneé Barracato said. "Her expertise and leadership will enhance our commitment to promoting well-being throughout our community."
A Deerfield native, Guynn attended Western Illinois University, where she worked as a campus recreation employee, played intramural basketball, and was a founding member of the Women's Club Volleyball team.
"Campus recreation provides all students, no matter their age or ability, the opportunity to find their community, whether it is through self-directed workouts or friendships in group exercise classes, intramural and club sports, social opportunities, or providing the building blocks to a long-lasting career," Guynn said.
Guynn lives in Wilmette with her husband, Corrie, and two young children.
"We're so excited to welcome Emily as the Northwestern family," Gragg said. "This unique and vital role is so often our liaison to the broader Evanston and surrounding communities for whom we offer health and wellness resources at the Henry Crown Sports Pavilion, our beaches, the sailing center, and more. Her extensive experience in the industry, and on the north shore, makes her an outstanding fit for, and our department will benefit tremendously from her strong leadership."
Guynn comes to Northwestern from the Wilmette Park District, where she led all aspects of the Recreation Department, including lakefront operations, recreational programming, and oversight of seven recreational facilities. Prior to serving as the Superintendent of Recreation at the Wilmette Park District, she held roles at the Skokie Park District and Glencoe Park District.
"Emily brings a wealth of experience, passion, and an understanding of the vital role that recreation plays in fostering a well-rounded college experience," Deputy Director of Athletics for Operations & Capital Projects Deneé Barracato said. "Her expertise and leadership will enhance our commitment to promoting well-being throughout our community."
A Deerfield native, Guynn attended Western Illinois University, where she worked as a campus recreation employee, played intramural basketball, and was a founding member of the Women's Club Volleyball team.
"Campus recreation provides all students, no matter their age or ability, the opportunity to find their community, whether it is through self-directed workouts or friendships in group exercise classes, intramural and club sports, social opportunities, or providing the building blocks to a long-lasting career," Guynn said.
Guynn lives in Wilmette with her husband, Corrie, and two young children.