Lombard's Community Development Department Team Ready To Serve

Jennifer Ganser

Ganser took over as Assistant Director of Community Development on May 6 and is settling in after her first week on the job.

Prior to being hired in Lombard, Ganser was the Business Services Director for “Choose DuPage,” which is an agency that acts as a liaison between DuPage County and its municipalities. “It's a public/private partnership,” Ganser explained, “whose focus is looking to bring business to DuPage County,” she added. In her capacity at Choose DuPage, Ganser also managed trade shows and performed general economic development functions.

Prior to her employment at Choose DuPage, Ganser was the Economic Development Coordinator for three years for the City of DesPlaines. She explained that Lombard was the perfect “next step” to continue her career in Economic Development and Planning Services. In addition to economic development and planning, Ganser will

be supervising planning services and the geographic information systems divisions.

Ganser received her Master's Degree in Urban Planning and Policy with a specialization in Economic Development from University of Illinois—Chicago and her Bachelor's Degree in Marketing & Economics from DePaul University.

“I am looking forward to meeting and getting to know the business community of Lombard,” Ganser stated. She feels that she is a good fit for Lombard and has already enjoyed her work with the Village and the community.

Ganser is a member of the American Planning Association and resides in Naperville.

Matt Panfil

Senior Planner in the Community Development Department Matt Panfil spent the past four and a half years in the Village of Tinley Park as a Planner 1. Prior to the Village of Tinley Park, Panfil worked for a year at Teska Associates, a consulting firm whose clients include municipalities. The exposure to the planning field at both of his previous positions has armed Panfil with first-hand knowledge and experience in downtown redevelopment and comprehensive planning and excellent resources for his senior planner position in Lombard.

“Lombard was a desirable location with a good reputation and strong redevelopment opportunities,” Panfil said about his move to Lombard. “So far, it's been great. I've been busy and I'm learning a lot about the Village itself and I'm looking forward to working on new projects that will enhance the character of Lombard,” Panfil added.

Panfil holds a Master's Degree in Urban Planning & Policy from UIC and a Bachelor's Degree in Political Science from the University of Illinois, Champaign-Urbana. He is AICP and LEED-GA (Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design Green Associate) certified and a member of the Illinois Chapter of the American Planning Association and the Illinois Association for Floodplain & Stormwater Management.

Tami Urish

Lombard's new Planner 1 is Lombard resident Tami Urish. Urish holds a Master's Degree in Public Administration and a Bachelor's Degree in Aviation Management, both from Southern Illinois University, Carbondale.

Urish's experience includes an internship after graduate school which developed into full-time employment with engineering firm Crawford, Murphy & Tilly. Urish worked for five years handling airport plans, highway and environmental assessments.

After the engineering firm, Urish worked for the City of Highland Park as a Planner 1 for a year until her husband's job brought an out-of-state transfer.

“I'm grateful for the opportunity to work for the Village,” said Urish. “The fit has worked out for me at this time of my life as to what I was looking for and what the Village offered,” she added. “I really enjoy helping the residents as well as contributing to the community in which I live,” Urish stated. She commented that the job of Planner 1 is interesting as it brings something new every day.

A member of the Lombard Historical Commission for ten years, Urish had to resign from the group upon employment with the Village. She has also volunteered for CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocate) where she has been a representative and advocate for foster children in the court room.

“We look forward to having these individuals join the Community Development Department. Each of them possesses talents that will benefit both businesses and residents. Their experiences will allow the department to meet the demands of their respective positions and the community”, noted William Heniff, Lombard Community Development Director.