Mayor Levin presented the annual "Darrell Whistler Special Service Recognition Award" to Bill Shanklin for his years of loyal and distinguished service to the City of Elmhurst. The award is typically given by the mayor to a volunteer who has displayed exceptional service to the City of Elmhurst.
Commissioner Shanklin has been a resident of Elmhurst since 2001. He serves on a number of boards and commissions, including the Economic Development Commission as Chairman, the Library Board of Trustees, the Veterans Commission, Memorial Day Parade Committee, and the Masters of Ceremonies for the Memorial Day Military Program and Veteran’s Day Military Program.
Bill is also a member of the Advisory Board for the Russel G. Weigand Center for Professional Excellence where he has worked with interns and a mentor to students at Elmhurst University. He also is a guest speaker for the First Semester Seminar class.
He is a life member of the Chapter 37 of the Special Forces Association, the Elmhurst American Legion T.H.B. Post 187, the Former Intelligence Officers Association, the 82nd Airborne Division Association and the Ranger Association. He has been a member of the Rotary Club of Elmhurst since 2006 and has served as past president.
Bill recently retired as President and CEO of Champion Container Corporation. He now continues to fill his time serving his community and supporting the causes that he feels connected to.
Whatever he is doing for our community, he gives his all. He’s played leading roles in organizing the American Legion Military Ball fundraiser and serving as a master of ceremonies for several parades. His working with the Economic Development Commission has undeniably made a difference in the economic success of the Elmhurst community.
Commissioner Shanklin is the fourth recipient of the Darrell Whistler Special Service Recognition Award. The "Darrell Whistler Service Award" is the highest form of recognition given to a volunteer who has gone above and beyond in their outstanding commitment to the City of Elmhurst.
Darrell Whistler was an exceptional example of a resident who worked tirelessly to serve the City of Elmhurst. Darrell played a major role in the City’s transformation during his tenure as Chairman of the Zoning and Planning Commission. Darrell’s commitment and leadership, along with his professional and personal investment, will forever be a part of the legacy of Elmhurst. He represented the City of Elmhurst with the qualities of a true leader, exhibiting a firm and fair approach to planning and zoning cases.
Darrell’s goal, like so many other City Commissioners and Volunteers, was to ensure the prosperity of our great City. The Darrell Whistler Service Award goes to people, like Darrell, who have gone above and beyond in their commitment to the City of Elmhurst.