New communications director starts Jan. 5 in Elgin

The city of Elgin has hired a new communications director, its first in 14 years.

Kristine Liptrot, who serves as member relations consultant for Metro West Council of Government, has 23 years of experience in communications, about half working for school districts in Oswego and Downers Grove. She was selected among more than 120 candidates, city officials said.

Liptrot, whose salary will be $106,694 starting Jan. 5, said she will be a taxpayers' advocate.

"I believe in being open, honest and transparent, which the administration in Elgin seems to say as well," she said. " I think that will be a very good working relationship."

She will also work to "uncomplicate" complicated government issues, she said.

"If people are kept informed through the process, it's easier for everyone to work together toward the end goal," she said.

Liptrot, who lives in Yorkville, served as director of communications for Oswego Community Unit School District 308 from 2007 to 2013 after working as director of community relations for Downers Grove Grade School District 58.

She also has worked as a public relations consultant and is a former suburban journalist.

"Kristine exemplifies the leadership characteristics needed to leverage the changing landscape of traditional communications methods, social media, advertising, marketing and engagement," City Manager Sean Stegall said in a news release.

Liptrot's background "will enhance the city's communication channels and strengthen Elgin's competitive position as 'The City in the Suburbs,' " he added.

The city last had a communications director in 2001 and a public information officer in 2010, Elgin management analyst Laura Valdez-Wilson said.

While a public information officer is only a spokesman, a communication director also coordinates integrated communications and marketing efforts strategies, Valdez-Wilson said.

Liptrot said social media will be part of her communications strategy, but face-to-face communication is most important.

"You can't always expect the individuals to come to you. You really need to make an effort to go out to the individuals," she said.

Elgin is planning to conduct a residents' survey next year, which will be extremely useful to develop "a baseline communications plan," Liptrot said.