Winfield looks to Glen Ellyn for new village manager

Declaring the beginning of "a new era," Winfield leaders Friday announced the hiring of Curt Barrett as the next village manager.

Barrett, the deputy village manager of Glen Ellyn, will officially take Winfield's the top administrative post on June 17. On Thursday night, trustees approved a four-year contract with Barrett that will pay him $111,000 for the first year.

"I am really excited about this opportunity," said Barrett, 39, of St. Charles. "I think they (village board members) have a vision that I will be dedicated to achieving."

Barrett replaces interim Village Manager Phil Page, whose last day was last week. The village hasn't had a permanent village manager since Bill Barlow resigned in January.

Village President Deborah Birutis said about 50 people applied for the position. She said Barrett's experience in local government set him apart from other applicants.

"Curt brings experience and the personality to work well with Winfield staff, citizens, and other governmental bodies," Birutis said. "We expect his skills and energy to serve the village well."

During his nearly nine years with Glen Ellyn, Barrett served as an assistant to the village manager before being promoted to assistant village manager in 2003. He was appointed deputy village manager last year.

Before joining Glen Ellyn's staff in 2000, Barrett spent two years as an assistant in Naperville's community development department.

While working on his master's degree in public administration at Northern Illinois University, Barrett had internships with the Federal Aviation Administration in Washington, D.C., McHenry County and the village of Mount Prospect. His first job after graduation was with the Northwest Municipal Conference from 1996 to 1998.

Barrett said what attracted him most to the Winfield job is the town itself.

"It's a quality community with a well-educated citizenry," he said. "I think they are very active in their community affairs."

Barrett's last day with Glen Ellyn is June 16 - just one day before his new job begins.

"I've got some things to wrap up here in my current position," he said. "But I am very much looking forward to getting started over there."