Barrington hires Buffalo Grove finance director to be next village manager

Barrington village board members Monday night hired a replacement for longtime Village Manager and former Police Chief Jeff Lawler, who's retiring.

Scott Anderson, director of finance and general services for Buffalo Grove since 2006, was approved for the top job at the special village board meeting.

Anderson started his Buffalo Grove career as a police officer 27 years ago.

Anderson was not at village hall for Monday night's vote. In a statement issued after his hiring, Anderson expressed appreciation for the opportunity to bring his experience to Barrington starting next month.

"Barrington is a destination community," Anderson said, "led by a dedicated president and village board, as well as a supportive staff and very engaged citizen volunteers."

Village President Karen Darch said Northbrook-based GovHR USA led a national search for Lawler's replacement, attracting 58 applicants.

The field was narrowed to a final five for the Barrington village board before Anderson was selected, she said.

Darch said the breadth of Anderson's experience and "great references" are among the reasons he stood out among the candidates.

Barrington officials noted Anderson's professional accomplishments in Buffalo Grove include forging cost-sharing arrangements with other local governments, enhancing data-driven financial reporting and transparency, increasing sales-tax revenue through economic incentives and improving customer service operations villagewide.

"He's very excited, we're very excited," Darch said.

Anderson's deal with Barrington calls for a $180,000 base salary, a $27,000 contribution for health and life insurance, and a $6,000 vehicle allowance.

He worked his way to detective with Buffalo Grove police after starting as an officer in 1992.

When he shifted to municipal administration, Anderson worked under former Finance Director and Village Manager William Brimm, before becoming finance director himself.

Lawler, 66, has been Barrington's village hall boss since 2009.

He unexpectedly wound up in the job about two weeks after leaving as the village's police chief through an early retirement incentive package.

He will have logged about 44 years with Barrington - a tenure that began as a patrol officer - when he departs.

Lawler announced his plan to retire in December.