Mundelein hires communication director to promote town
Mundelein officials didn’t have to look far to hire the village’s first communication and marketing director.
They chose Dawn Jenich, who until recently held a similar post at the local Carmel Catholic High School.
With village leaders launching a marketing project they hope will bring the town positive attention and attract both businesses and customers, Jenich’s knowledge of the Mundelein community was a big plus.
“We need someone who can hit the ground running,” Trustee Terri Voss said.
Jenich, of Grayslake, was among 42 applicants for the post, officials said. She comes to village hall after eight years at Carmel.
Jenich will work on the branding project as well as village newsletters, social media, website design and community communication and education efforts.
“We need to do a better job of promoting what we have going on,” Voss said.
Jenich agreed. She said one of her immediate goals is to assess the town’s communication needs.
“The village does many things very well, but nobody knows about that,” Jenich said. “It’s not good news if nobody knows about it.”
Jenich’s new post is full-time. She’ll collect a $64,825 salary.
Jenich left Carmel earlier this year after a departmental reorganization. She previously had worked as a spokeswoman for Vista Health.
Jenich’s experience at Carmel, which including renaming the school to include the word “Catholic,” impressed Mayor Steve Lentz.
“It’s just a great fit (for Mundelein),” Lentz said.
Jenich’s hiring is the latest marketing move for the village.
In July, the village board hired an Evanston firm called Business Districts Inc. to develop a municipal branding program.
On Tuesday, Sept. 17, officials will host an open house about the branding project. It’s scheduled for 7 p.m. at the police station, 221 N. Lake St.