Glen Ellyn president: manager's departure unexpected

Glen Ellyn Village President Mark Pfefferman says he tries not to let anything in government surprise him.

But even he admits last week's resignation of Village Manager Steve Jones came as an unexpected blow.

Jones told Pfefferman he's leaving the village at the end of the year to explore “new challenges in 2011.”

Jones' resignation is effective Jan. 1.

“You kind of become numb to surprises because you have to relax and execute,” Pfefferman said. “(The resignation) certainly wasn't something we had planned on.”

Jones' departure will bring to a close a sometimes-volatile 2½ years at the helm.

In December 2008, eight months after his appointment under then-village President Vicky Hase, Jones pursued the demotion of two village officials for an improper personal relationship.

That resulted in at least one trustee publicly deriding Jones' ability to lead during contract discussions the following April.

After nearly two months of working without a contract, Jones was offered one in July 2009. It was expected to run through Pfefferman's term, which expires in 2013.

Pfefferman said Jones' review process was well thought out.

“We thought we did that very carefully and seriously and the intent was that the contract would last through my term,” Pfefferman said.

The move comes on the heels of Finance Director Jon Batek leaving for Carol Stream. Larry Noller serves as interim finance director and Pfefferman said the village will hire an interim village manager while officials search for Jones' replacement.

Pfefferman said losing two architects of the village's recent financial stability will be tough.

“There is no question that it will be a challenge,” he said. “(But) every challenge is a new opportunity.”

Pfefferman said word in the industry has gotten around and officials in other villages have asked about the open position. He said the village intends to advertise the opening in several industry publications and the search is expected to last at least six months.

Jones did not return calls seeking comment.