Tinley Park resident Jeffrey Junkas was sworn in as the fifth member of the Tinley Park-Park District’s Board of Commissioners Oct. 5, filling a seat that has been vacant since July.

Park Board President Brian Younker said Junkas was chosen by the board because of his background in finance and government relations.

Junkas is the regional manager of state government relations for the Property Casualty Insurers Association of America. He is also the founder and president of a communications consultant firm, JLJ PR Inc., focusing on government relations and public affairs.

“I think he’s going to bring good insight to the board,” Younker said. “We just thought he was the best candidate.”

Junkas ran for elected office for the first time last November as the Republican candidate seeking the 37th District in the Illinois House of Representatives. He lost to incumbent Kevin McCarthy, D-Orland Park.

“It seemed like it would be a good fit for me, personally and professionally,” Junkas said of the park board position. “I have young kids that use the facilities a lot.”

Junkas said he plans on taking a hard look at park district finances and see where changes may be warranted. “The first order is to get in there and immerse myself in the things they’re working on,” he said.

The park district seat was left vacant in July when Commissioner Steve Medrow died July 12, a few days after suffering a stroke. Medrow was a commissioner for 14 years.

The seat will be up for re-election in April 2013.