Will County Gazette

Will County District 10 Board Member Gloria Dollinger loves being a voice for people who need help.

“[It’s about] connecting my residents with solutions to issues they may have with their neighbor or within the County,” Dollinger told Will County Gazette. “Many times it is through conversations and clarification that an issue can be resolved.”

Dollinger, who was born in Decatur, was elected to the board in 2016.

Will County District 10 Board Member Gloria Dollinger

“I had never run for a political office but felt it was important that my district be represented by individuals who have lived in the community and have been involved to make it a better place,” she said.

Dollinger’s goal as a board member is to represent District 10 with honesty and ethical integrity.

“The county has many capital projects progressing through various phases of completions,” she said. “All involve spending, spending of Will County residents' hard-earned dollars. It is up to us, Will County Board members, to keep each project progressing within or, even better, below budget. As a member of the Finance Committee it is important to make sure our financial resources are spent wisely, on projects that impact the safety and quality of life for our residents.”

As a board member, Dollinger sits on the Workforce Investment Board (WIB) and the Mobilizing for Action through Planning and Partnerships Collaborative.

“Committee involvement keeps me connected to activities that positively impact residents of Will County,” she said. “One example is that at a WIB’s Youth Council meeting, I suggested we need to bring more awareness to the issue of teen suicide which led to a Youth Suicide Awareness presentation to our youth service providers in Will County.”

Dollinger has a degree in public health and health education from the University of Illinois Champaign/Urbana-College of Applied Health Studies, and a degree in nutrition and medical dietetics from the University of Illinois-Chicago. She has held many roles throughout her career, including manager of the Chicago Health Club near the Fox Valley Mall, teacher of fitness classes at Charlie Club, nutrition coach for Nutri-System and clinical dietitian at St. Joseph Hospital.

Dollinger is currently a nutrition supervisor at the Inwood Athletic Club, a fitness center built by the Joliet Park District. Among her duties are providing nutrition and personal-training sessions, teaching an annual weight-loss/healthy-eating program, providing health and fitness information to members, and reviewing food journals of Inwood Boot Camp clients.

“The combination of personal training and nutrition counseling allows me to coach individuals of all ages and health needs,” she said. “I enjoy helping our members, and the greater Joliet community, to have success in their health journey.”

Dollinger said the best thing about working for the Joliet Park District and Will County is that every day is different.

“It is not the typical 9-5 job,” she said. “I love it, I meet wonderful people from all walks of life.”

Dollinger has also been involved in various community organizations. She has served as president of St. Paul the Apostle Parish Council and president of the school board, president of the Joliet Junior Women’s Club, president of the parent association at Joliet Catholic Academy, and board member and president of St. Joseph Medical Center's Foundation. Dollinger is active in Joliet Rotary, is a member of Encore, and a past president of St. Joe’s Auxiliary.

“All these organizations provide an opportunity to work with individuals throughout the community and help to sharpen my leadership skills to serve as a Will County Board member,” she said.

When she’s not working or volunteering, Dollinger cherishes spending time with her family, going out to dinner, and skiing. She is also training for the Chicago Marathon.