Longtime secretary to Des Plaines mayors bids farewell

Des Plaines this week bid farewell to a face that has greeted residents and visitors to the mayor’s office for 16 years.

Longtime mayor’s secretary Donna Catlett retired Thursday after having served under three elected mayors — Paul Jung, Tony Arredia and Marty Moylan — and four acting mayors.

“Each mayor sets his own tone for the office,” Catlett said. “It’s been a pleasure to work with so many accomplished and dedicated mayors. Each administration had its projects that made the job extremely interesting.”

Highlights of her career include the building the Des Plaines Public Library and working with the O’Hare Noise Compatibility Commission on soundproofing homes during the late Jung’s tenure.

“With Tony Arredia we had the flood prevention projects and the applications for the casino license,” she said. “When Marty Moylan came into office, the construction and opening of the casino made for some exciting times.”

Catlett said her main role was to be a loyal supporter of the mayor, no matter who was in office.

“I count all of them as my friends,” she said. “Every day around here is an adventure. That proved to be true for 16 years.”