Peggy Forster to retire after 37 years with city of St. Charles

Peggy Forster, director of information systems, recently announced she will retire from the city of St. Charles effective June 30.

Forster has served the city for 37 years, in the role of director since 1997. She started her career with the city as a part-time data processing consultant in 1978.

During the course of her career, Forster has served under four mayors and three city administrators and has seen many changes in her field. In 1978, technology was isolated to a single computer the size of a desk. Today, computers, ranging from workstations to tablets, are used in the day-to-day activities of most city staff.

Forster has led the planning, design and implementation of numerous systems that support city operations, streamlined processes, and improved customer service. Her responsibilities include the network infrastructure applications such as the recently implemented enterprise resource system, website management, records management, and geographic information systems.

Forster notes, however, that she sees the staff she has assembled as her greatest accomplishment. "The men and women I work with every day are knowledgeable, professional, and the best at what they do," Forster said. "Together we have accomplished much."

City Administrator Mark Koenen had this to say about Forster: "I have worked with Peggy for many years and am impressed by how she has developed an area that impacts every department here at the city, along with many customer-facing interactions as well. I wish her well in her retirement."

Peggy Forster earned a bachelor's degree in mathematics from Duquesne University in Pittsburgh, Penn., and is a member of the Government Management Information Sciences International.

An executive search has been conducted and a new appointment will be announced shortly.

Visit www.stcharlesil.gov.