Krajniak leaves Wauconda village hall for Des Plaines post
Wauconda's director of economic and community development has left village hall for a key administrative job in Des Plaines.
Linda Krajniak will serve as the city's media services director. She starts her new job May 27.
"It feels like a great way to expand the knowledge I have," Krajniak said Monday. "I'm excited about starting there."
Krajniak, of Wauconda, had worn many hats in more than eight years as a staffer in her hometown. She started doing marketing work for the village as a freelancer and then took a full-time job as the assistant to the village administrator before assuming her most recent post.
As the economic development director, Krajniak met with prospective businesses about opportunities in town, helped lead marketing and branding efforts for the village and worked on the creation of a special taxing district near routes 176 and 12.
She also oversaw electronic communications, served as a liaison with groups planning community events and handled many other tasks.
"Des Plaines is very lucky to get her," Wauconda Trustee Ken Arnswald said. "We're going to miss her. She does a lot."
Mayor Frank Bart praised Krajniak, too, saying she brought a personable approach to her job.
"I think Linda's been a great asset to the village," Mayor Frank Bart said. "We're sorry to lose her."
Krajniak replaces Karen Kozenczak as Des Plaines' media director. Kozenczak retired in December after 35 years on the job.
Krajniak is the third high-profile village employee to leave Wauconda in the last year.
Police Chief Douglas Larsson was forced out of his job after Bart took office last summer. He was replaced on an interim basis by Patrick Yost, and Bart has made no move to formally recommend the village board hire Yost as chief.
About the same time, Zaida Torres abruptly left her job as the village's administrator and finance director. She was replaced as administrator by Doug Maxeiner in November.
The village hasn't hired a new finance director.