Longtime Glen Ellyn resident named interim head of historical society

The Glen Ellyn Historical Society has appointed an interim executive director while members search for a permanent replacement for Jan Langford, whose contract was not renewed because of financial concerns.

Jane Rio, a 37-year Glen Ellyn resident, will run day to day operations for the society at its Stacy’s Tavern museum until a search for a new executive director has been completed, likely in the late spring or early summer, said Bill Peterson, the society’s president.

For the past seven years, Rio was the marketing and events director for the Wheaton Historic Preservation Council. She was executive director of the Glen Ellyn Chamber of Commerce from 1984 to 1986, and was previously in management positions at the Glen Ellyn News.

Rio came highly recommended to the society, Peterson said, and her experience allows her to jump right in.

“Hiring an interim executive director “gives us the luxury of time in finding a person to come on full time with the skill set we’re looking for,” Peterson said. “Jean graciously offered to help us out.”

He said Rio has indicated she does not want the permanent position.

Earlier this month, society board members decided not to renew Langford’s contract after more than six years as executive director. She was paid $60,000 in 2010, and offered to take a pay cut in 2011, but the board rejected that.

“Jan did a wonderful job for us. She did everything we asked for,” Peterson said. “But it probably was we couldn’t afford her due to budget concerns. She had salary requirements ... We can’t afford to pay the new executive director what we paid Jan Langford.”

Peterson said society board members are now crafting a job description, but it’s likely more focus will be on programs and exhibits. A search committee will look for candidates with skills in museum management and program creation and expansion. The full eight-member society board will approve the permanent director.

The society, unlike counterparts throughout DuPage County, does not get taxpayer dollars, Peterson said. It does apply for and receive a grant from the village on an annual basis that pays for about a quarter of the society’s operating budget.

The rest is funded through private donations, which have stayed relatively level. But expenses have gone up, and staff pay was the largest expense, Peterson said.

The permanent executive director position is full time, while the society has two part-time employees.