Glen Ellyn sees 3rd departure in 2 months

The bad news for Glen Ellyn Village President Mark Pfefferman just keeps on coming.

For the third time in less than two months, Pfefferman will have to start a search to replace a high-profile resignation.

Public Works Director Joe Caracci resigned Wednesday and will leave the village next month, Pfefferman said Thursday. The departure follows Village Manager Steve Jones, who told the village last month that he would leave at the end of the year.

In mid-October, Finance Director Jon Batek left for a similar job in Carol Stream.

As with the previous departures, Pfefferman said the loss would be a blow to the village but that a search would be started as soon as possible.

“You have to never be surprised in this business,” he said, “I'm sorry to see Joe go. He was a fine employee.”

The news comes just as Pfefferman said the two previous searches were coming along smoothly. He said he will interview two people in the next week to serve as interim village manager while a professional search firm is considered.

Pfefferman said the goal is to replace Jones by April but that he thought it could take as long as July. Jones' last day will be Dec. 31.

As for the finance director position, Batek's last day was Oct. 22 after about nine years of service.

Pfefferman said village officials have three candidates in mind but that they have re-advertised for the position to make its qualifications more specific. He said applications will be accepted until Jan. 15.

He said a background in economic development would take priority in all three vacant positions.

“We're looking for people who could learn Glen Ellyn quickly and through that recognize that Glen Ellyn is a unique and special place,” Pfefferman said.

Caracci's last day will be Jan. 2, Pfefferman said. Calls to Caracci were not returned.