Libertyville hires village administrator to replace the retiring Kevin Bowens
Libertyville welcomes its first new village administrator in 25 years.
Trustees on Tuesday approved an employment agreement with Christopher Clark, who has held the same position in Cary the past five years. Clark will replace Kevin Bowens, who is retiring Dec. 23.
Clark was selected from 54 applicants after a national search. He will start Dec. 19.
He will become only the third village administrator in 51 years. Clark has 20 years of municipal government experience, including as assistant village manager in Glenview and Grayslake and administrative assistant in Lake Forest.
Cary is a similar sized community as Libertyville. Clark noted his experience in economic development, including a downtown area anchored by a train station.
"Libertyville is an outstanding community, and I look forward to working with the mayor, village board and village employees to make it even more outstanding," he said Wednesday. "The village of Cary continues to make significant progress in attracting economic development, which is a great indication that Cary is a great place in Illinois to relocate and/or expand a business."
Clark will be paid $170,000 a year. The Glenview resident will have a year to move to Libertyville, with an extension possible. The village will pay moving expenses.
Last week, he said he wants to complete a strategic plan process for Libertyville and build on economic development opportunities.