Parks & Recreation Advisory Commission

Gary Klaus
     Garry Klaus, a 1968 Highland High School graduated, has served 27 years in the Marine Corps, working his way up from private to  Lieutenant Colonel.  He has served in various assignments worldwide, primarily in the Marine Aviation Ordnance Safety and Logistics community.   Additionally, he put in 19 years as a civilian federal government employee working at the Pentagon, Arlington, and Marine Corps Base, Quantico, VA; primarily in the Marine Ground Acquisition and Safety responsibilities.  He returned to his home town of Highland in January 2016.  Currently serving as a program analyst, he is supporting Acquisition functions for the United States Transportation Command, located at Scott Air Force Base, IL.   
     He has a BA in Business Administration.   
      As a  martial artist with 50 years' experience, he is a martial arts business owner of 15 years, author of two martial arts self-defense books and he has been the recipient of numerous Martial Art awards and accolades.  Sensei Klaus continues to grow his knowledge and skill level in his chosen style of GOJU Karate and teaches self-defense in the Madison County area. 
     Garry raced in the NASCAR weekly racing series (1996-2001) at Old Dominion Speedway in Manassas, VA, and currently races at Highland and Tri City Speedways.   
     He serves as an active member of the Highland Optimists.  

Kami Lynch
My name is Kami Lynch.  I work as a financial relationship consultant here in Highland at Regions bank. I am a mom to a two-year-old.  Our family loves enjoying the parks and recreation here in Highland.  I have resided in Highland for roughly four years now.  We decided on Highland because of it being a nice community.  I hope I can help to continue to make it a wonderful place for people.  I hold an associate degree in business administration and a bachelor's degree in psychology.  I am currently working toward my MBA.

John Coziar
     John is a 2001 graduate of SIUE with a degree in kinesiology and has a masters of sport management.  He has over 20 experience teaching including in schools such as Collinsville Middle School, Highland Middle School and Hillsboro High School where he has taught physical education, health, coached many sports, and director of athletics.
     Currently, John lives in Highland with his wife and three children, they moved to town 15 years ago. He actively is a volunteer coach for our parks department for a variety of sports.  His three children have all participated in sports through the parks and recreational programs.  John is currently on this Commission because he wants to make a positive impact on the wonderful community in which we live.

Joseph Garson
     My name is Joe Garson.  I moved to Pocahontas in 2000.   I graduated from HHS with the class of '02.  I was an automotive technician for a local shop for several years, then, moved to a trucking company, where I completed fleet maintenance and then served as the safety and compliance  manager.  I spent a short time in a sales position for industrial pipe and valves.   And now work in maintenance in multiple apartment complexes in town.
     I have an amazing wife and two beautiful daughters.  My hobbies are working on metal fabrication and carpentry projects.  I enjoy history and viewing historical items...homes, tools, etc.   I believe God is my creator and has seen me through my experiences thus far.

Contact:
Mark Rosen, Director of Parks & Recreation
Phone:  618-651-1386
Email:  mdrosen@highlandil.gov