Buffalo Grove appoints new deputy director of public works

Buffalo Grove officials announced Wednesday that veteran village employee Michael K. Skibbe has been named as the new deputy director of public works. He replaces Rick Kuhl, who retires on Dec. 20, 2013 after 38 years of service to the village.

“Mike’s 15 years of experience with the Public Works Department provides the department with a strong administrative and operational background,” Public Works Director Mike Reynolds said in anews release. “Mike has championed technological innovation and leading edge work processes within the Public Works Department. That attitude will benefit the department as we strive to become more accountable and efficient in our daily operations.”

Skibbe graduated from Buffalo Grove High School and has a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering with a minor in management from Valparaiso University. He was hired by the village in 1998 as a part-time engineering aid and became a full-time employee in 2004. In 2006 he was promoted to civil engineer.

Throughout his years in Buffalo Grove, Skibbe has participated in leadership, engineering and public works operations training through the University of Wisconsin-Madison College of Engineering and Professional Development, International City Management Association, the American Public Works Association, the American Society of Civil Engineers, and the Illinois Section of the American Waterworks Association, according to the village. He also serves as secretary for the Lower Des Plaines Watershed Planning Council.