Lisle village board room named after outgoing mayor

When most local officials leave office, they receive plaques and a hearty handshake so they can fondly remember their service to the community.

This week, outgoing Lisle Mayor Joe Broda received a more lasting gift.

Trustees approved a resolution to name the village hall board room the "Joseph J. Broda Board Room." The vote came during Broda's final village board meeting as mayor.

"I was really surprised they decided to recognize me in that way," Broda said Friday. "I feel honored that they thought enough of me for the years of service that I performed for the village of Lisle."

The resolution says Broda dedicated 31 years to the community and is the longest, continuously serving public official in village history.

Broda, who is retired from Lucent, was appointed to the village board in 1986 and served four terms as trustee until being elected village president in April 2001. He was seeking a fifth term as mayor when he lost the April 4 election to challenger Chris Pecak.

Pecak declined to comment on the naming honor.

Broda's last day as mayor is April 30.

During his tenure, Broda championed redevelopment of downtown, including streetscape improvements, new businesses and the transformation of the former village hall site into a new mixed-use redevelopment.

The resolution naming the board room also says Broda assumed leadership roles in the construction of the Lisle-Benedictine University Sports Complex, the relocation of Navistar's international headquarters and Universal Technical Institute's move to the village.

"Mayor Broda's strong passion for public service, ability to lead, stalwart courage and unwavering dedication to the community have helped positively shape Lisle's history for more than three decades," the resolution reads.

Broda says he's happy he was able to serve.

"I've been able to meet hundreds, if not thousands, of individuals over the years," Broda said. "It's been a true blessing for me."