Carolyn Ubriaco, a Republican, is running for DuPage County Forest Preserve Board District 1 in the Nov. 3, 2026, general election.

She faces Democrat Susan M. Smentek.

Asked why she is seeking the office, Ubriaco said in our candidate questionnaire: "This is the kind of work that I have done for over 30 years. It's what I love to do."

She outlined five priorities:

"1. Protect open space, restore natural areas and acquire land in District 1.2. Expand and keep trails and facilities safe and open to every age and ability.3. Care for tax dollars with transparency and create lasting value for you and future generations.4. Establish partnerships that grow community talent, magnify resources and develop appreciation for a healthy and beautiful ecosystem.5. Treat stormwater as a resource for native habitats and keep problem flooding out of neighborhoods."

The DuPage County Republican Central Committee has endorsed Ubriaco, according to the party's website.

Candidate information

Party: "Republican"

Education: "University of Illinois, Gies College of Business, B.S. Accounting" and "IAPD Leadership Institute"

Family: "Married 40 years with 3 children"

Occupation and work history: "I work for Christians Against Poverty to provide free one-on-one professional debt coaching and budget education to help anyone escape the misery of debt and transform their lives."

She also listed: "Application Development Manager for Sales, Marketing & Customer Service … Financial Business Manager for complex high-technology manufacturing … Financial Auditor … Artist"

Experience and public service

Ubriaco said in our questionnaire that she has held the following offices: "23+ Year Elmhurst Park District Commissioner, elected 2003, 2009, 2015, 2021," "Illinois Association of Park Districts Trustee" and "Illinois Trust, Trustee and Audit Committee Chair."

Asked what accomplishments show she can handle the job, Ubriaco said: "I led the park board through complex agreements involving the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, the National Park Service, the City of Elmhurst and others on issues including critical stormwater mitigation."

She added that she "helped raise funds for and establish the Playground for Everyone, an accessible playground among the first of its kind in DuPage County." She also said she "worked to eliminate the use of glyphosate by the Elmhurst Park District."

Ubriaco pointed to her role in launching the Wagner Community Center project. "With a vision for the community's unmet and future needs I presented a formal board proposal to start the fact-finding steps and community engagement that led to a successful 2024 referendum," she said. The new Wagner Community Center is set to open in 2027, according to Ubriaco.

She said she also "helped establish financial policies that provide transparency over payments and a Whistleblower Ordinance."

On the issues

Asked what sets her apart from other candidates, Ubriaco said: "I've led community organizations for over 30 years including 23 years as an Elmhurst Park Commissioner with terms as president and vice-president."

She said commissioners statewide "elected me to the Illinois Association of Park Districts Board of Trustees to help park, recreation, special recreation, conservation and forest preserve district leaders become better leaders."

Ubriaco added: "I have successfully advocated for, protected and acquired open space against the pressures of development … I take a multidisciplinary approach to opportunities and prioritize healthy ecosystems, strong communities and inclusion."

Asked for the best advice she has received, Ubriaco said: "Don't settle. Expect the best."

Responses are based on public data and answers to a Surround Sound Media questionnaire if they were provided.