The Special District Association (SDA) has a long and rich history. A new part of that history was made January 1, 2010 when Evan Goulding retired after 18 years at the helm of SDA.

A wonderful celebration for Mr. Goulding was held at the Lone Tree Golf Club. At the party former executive director, Dodie Gale joined Evan as outgoing executive director and the current executive director, Ann Terry, for a picture to capture the historic event. 

A proclamation from Governor Ritter, declaring January 21, 2010, “Evan Goulding Day” was presented by SDA Board President Peter Webb. Evan accepted the honor with the quiet dignity he is well known for and thanked his wife Eileen and their family for their support. Evan also gave a heartfelt thanks to the many SDA Board members and staff that helped him accomplish his goals and advancements for the membership.

Mr. Webb, Jim Collins, SDA’s Executive Vice President, and South Suburban Park and Recreation District Executive Director David Lorenz, recognized Evan’s hard work and outstanding successes at SDA along with the contributions of the SDA staff. Many members, board members and former board members attended to toast Evan in his retirement and new endeavors, the newest being SDA’s Legislative Consultant.

SDA’s first official executive director, Dodie Gale, was hired to handle the day-to-day operations that had been the responsibility of Jim Collins and a working board of directors.

In 1992 the SDA Board hired Evan Goulding and he served for 18 years. In November of 2009, in anticipation of Evan’s retirement, the Board hired Ann Terry as the incoming executive director.

Outgoing SDA executive director Evan Goulding (center) is joined by former executive director, Dodie Gale (left) and the current executive director, Ann Terry (right).