Urbana Park District Board of Commissioners

Cedric Stratton / President
Commissioner since 2021 
Up next for election in 2027

Cedric Stratton is a lifelong Urbana resident, and his family has lived in the C-U area for generations.  Prior to his election as commissioner, he served on UPDAC for a year and a half, six months of which he served as UPDAC chair.  Cedric grew up attending Urbana Park District programs, and he has worked for UPD as a summer camp counselor and after-school programming leader.

Professionally, Cedric works for the Urbana School District as a Special Education Teacher's aid.  He has a strong belief in the Urbana community and has dedicated himself to public service to enrich the opportunities of community members. 

Meredith Blumthal / Vice President
Commissioner since 2010
Next up for election 2027 

Meredith Blumthal became a member of the Champaign-Urbana community as a University of Illinois student in 1997. In 2000, she moved to Urbana and has been a resident since.

Meredith’s professional background is in horticulture and agricultural economics, and she is the Director of the Food and Agribusinesses Management Program at the University of Illinois. Meredith recognizes the public good which parks serve and the benefits to all age groups and continues to enjoy serving the community in this capacity.  She is also active in the C-U One-to-One Mentoring Program.

Laura Hastings / Commissioner
Commissioner since 2023
Next up for election in 2029

Laura cannot think of a time when the Urbana Park District hasn’t been part of her life! As a child, she enjoyed many programs and parks, was a Crystal Lake Pool Lifeguard, Manager and Coordinator. After graduating with a degree in Recreation Administration she became a full-time staff member. She has served as a volunteer and UPDAC chair. To this day, people still call her, "Laura the Lifeguard."

Laura is an elementary special education teacher; she is passionate about equitable inclusion of all people. She believes that the Urbana Park District theme, “You belong here”, truly means everyone! She is excited to be able to serve Urbana and continue the strong commitment of the UPD to innovatively provide the most outstanding programs, facilities, parks and open spaces.

Sarah Roper / Commissioner 
Commissioner since 2025
Next up for election in 2031

Sarah moved to Urbana in 2000 to attend the U of I and fell in love with the community. She has been a resident ever since. As an avid birdwatcher, she has spent countless hours in Urbana parks over the years, and maintained a perennial garden plot at Meadowbrook park for over a decade. She previously served on UPDAC for four years and sought to continue her involvement with UPD by running for Park Commissioner.

Professionally, Sarah works at Developmental Services Center and has been supporting adults with disabilities in the area for over twenty years. She believes that an inclusive and welcoming community improves the lives of all and feels that the park district has an important role to play in fostering that ambition.

Ashley Withers / Commissioner 
Commissioner since 2025
Next up for election in 2031

Ashley is an Urbana native, graduate of Urbana High School, and Southern Illinois University Carbondale where she received her Bachelor’s Degree in Hospitality and Tourism Management. 

Professionally, she works as the Lead Employment Specialist for Community Choices, a local nonprofit that partners with adults with developmental and intellectual disabilities. She served on the Urbana Civilian Police Review board, as well as UPDAC, the last 2 years as chair. She is also a member of the Chambana Welcome Crew through Experience Champaign-Urbana and has been a mentor through CU One-to-One mentoring since 2021. She is a frequent visitor of South Ridge and Meadowbrook Parks with her husband, two daughters, and Bernese Mountain Dog named George. She is passionate about the diversity of our community and making all feel welcome in our parks and programs.