Villa Park picks new village manager

Villa Park’s new village manager is Richard D. Keehner, Jr., city administrator in East Moline.

Keehner, 49, has a background in economic development as well as managerial experience in both public and private sectors.

“I definitely think he’ll be a great fit for the village of Villa Park,” Village President Tom Cullerton said.

Villa Park has been without a permanent village manager since Robert Niemann left at the end of June. The village was close to a contract with a previous candidate, but negotiations broke down in January.

Keehner’s starting salary is $135,000 a year. His two-year contract requires him to live in he village.

“My wife and my kids are very excited to come to Villa Park,” he said.

His first day as village manager will be April 18.

Keehner has been city administrator in East Moline since 2006. Before that, he was the assistant city administrator and economic development manager. Earlier in his career, he held management positions with Kmart.

He has a master’s degree in public administration from Northern Illinois University.

Dealing with Villa Park’s budget in light of the state’s fiscal woes will be the first challenge he faces, Keehner said.