Kenneth D. Koehler

• Born in Chicago in 1948
• Moved to McHenry County in the summer of 1963
• Graduated from Crystal Lake Community High School in 1966 (Now Crystal Lake Central)
• Graduated from Northern Illinois University in 1970 with a BS Degree in Accounting
• Ran a successful local business (Flowerwood) for over 40 years
• Served on the McHenry County Conservation District Board for five years with three as president
• McHenry County Board Member since 2000
• McHenry County Board Chairman since December of 2004
• Married to wife Shirley for 40 years
• Has two grown children, Keri Anne and Kristopher
• Has three grandchildren
• Has lived in McHenry County for 47 years

Fun Fact:  Between Ken and his wife Shirley, the two of them have lived in McHenry County for more than 100 years!

Fun Fact:  Ken, Shirley, Keri Anne and Kristopher Koehler all graduated from what is now Crystal Lake Central High School.

Community Service

Ken Koehler has spent most of his adult life as a community servant. His involvement in McHenry County dates back to 1970, right after he completed his college degree. Over the last 40 years his service includes the following positions and organization memberships:

• 1970-1984: Active member of the Crystal Lake Jaycees
• 1979: President of the Crystal Lake Jaycees
• US Jaycee Senator #29173
• 1984-1992: Crystal Lake Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors
• 1988-Present: Sherman Health Systems Urgent Care Facility Board Member
• Past Chairman of the Sherman Health Systems Urgent Care Facilities, representing both the Crystal Lake and Algonquin facilities
• 1991-Present: Ambassador, Crystal Lake Chamber of Commerce
• Co-Founder of the McHenry County Conservation Foundation
• Co-Founder of the McHenry County Economic Development Commission (MCEDC)
• McHenry County Conservation District Board Trustee from 1995-2000
• 1996-1998 and 1999-2000: President of the McHenry County Conservation District Board of Trustees
• 2000-Present: McHenry County Board Member
• Past County Board liaison to the McHenry County Conservation District
• Past member of the county’s transportation, planning & development, human resources and Valley-Hi Committees
• 2004-Present: McHenry County Board Chairman
• 2006-Present: Sherman Hospital Board Member
• 2009-Present: Sherman Health Systems Board Member

Employment History

When Ken Koehler moved to McHenry County in 1963, he was a sophomore in high school. He took his first job that year at Flowerwood Nursery and Garden Center in Crystal Lake. He worked there until the business was sold in 2004. At Flowerwood, Ken began as an employee who swept the floors and stocked the shelves. Over time, his work ethic was noticed and he rose through the ranks. Ken eventually became a partner of Flowerwood and eventually served the corporation as Secretary, Treasurer, and eventually President and Chief Financial Officer. Under Ken’s leadership, Flowerwood became one of the largest and most successful nurseries and garden centers in Northern Illinois.

Awards/Recognitions

Over the years, Ken has received many awards for his volunteerism and service to McHenry County. Just a few of them are listed here:

• 1974-75: Crystal Lake Jaycee of the Year
• 1977-78: Crystal Lake Jaycee of the Year
• 1977-78: Crystal Lake Jaycees Outstanding Local Officer Award
• 1978-79: Henry Giessenbier Outstanding President Award (Crystal Lake Jaycees)
• 1979-80: Outstanding Fox Valley Jaycee District Director Award
• 1984: US Jaycee Senator #29173
• 1990: Crystal Lake Jaycee Community Service Award
• 1990: Crystal Lake Chamber of Commerce Member of the Year
• 2002:  Inductee into the United States Jaycee Hall of Leadership
• 2002: First ever award-winner for the Carl E. Wehde Memorial Award (Crystal Lake Chamber of Commerce)

Outside politics and community service, Ken lives in Crystal Lake with his wife Shirley. They have two grown kids, Keri Anne and Kristopher, and enjoy spending time with their two grandkids, Emmett and Owen, and traveling.