advertisement

Two promoted assistant city managers in Elgin

Two staff members who started working for the city of Elgin as interns have been promoted to assistant city managers.

Aaron Cosentino and Laura Valdez, who most recently served as senior management analysts, will earn a salary of $117,701 in their new roles, the city announced Wednesday.

"This year has brought forward significant opportunities to rethink organizational structures to best meet the needs of our growing community while maximizing the value afforded to Elgin residents," City Manager Rick Kozal said in a news release.

Kozal served as assistant city manager until he was appointed to his current post in August 2016.

Cosentino, 32, started working for the city in 2008 and his most recent salary was $101,674. Valdez, 30, started in 2012 and her most recent salary was $83,648.

"Both Aaron and Laura continue to perform at a high level in not only accomplishing major initiatives, but also in providing vision and leadership in a transformational year in the organization and community," Kozal said.

Cosentino said he's proud to take on the new role. "Elgin is a fantastic place to live, work and raise my family," he said. "The organization is filled with people that want to do what's best for this community, and our residents are passionate about Elgin and engaged."

Valdez echoed that. "Elgin has a very exciting future, and I look forward to strengthening relationships and connecting resources as we continue building a safe, vibrant and engaged community."

The city also announced that longtime employee Kyla Jacobsen will retire Dec. 1. Jacobsen served as water director and had been named interim public services director in May at a salary of $136,253.

Jacobsen said she is ready for a new phase in her life. "The thing I'm going to miss the most is the staff," she said. "The people that work for me, they are amazing."

Eric Weiss is currently serving as interim water director, and the city has launched a national search for its next director of public services.

Article Comments
Guidelines: Keep it civil and on topic; no profanity, vulgarity, slurs or personal attacks. People who harass others or joke about tragedies will be blocked. If a comment violates these standards or our terms of service, click the "flag" link in the lower-right corner of the comment box. To find our more, read our FAQ.