Koenen retiring as St. Charles city administrator

St. Charles City Administrator Mark Koenen announced Tuesday he'll be retiring from the position he's held for seven years when his contract with the city ends in May.

Koenen was the city's director of public works for 23 years before becoming city administrator in 2013.

"I would like to thank Mayor Raymond Rogina and members of the city council, both past and present, for the guidance they have provided me throughout my time at the city," Koenen said in a statement. "And I appreciate city staff for their dedication to serving the citizens of St. Charles."

Koenen was appointed city administrator by Rogina and unanimously approved by the council after Brian Townsend left to become village manager in Schaumburg in August of 2013. Rogina announced last month he won't be running for a third term as mayor, which means the leadership in St. Charles will look quite different after the consolidated election in April.

"I have been told many times that hiring Mark as city administrator was one of my best decisions," Rogina said in a statement. "I agree wholeheartedly."

Koenen guided the city through numerous projects over the years, something that's become more difficult since the COVID-19 pandemic began. The city opened its new police station last year and recently approved a car dealership to occupy a portion of the former Pheasant Run Resort property.

Koenen's contract officially ends on May 15, 2021.

"I was proud to work for my community and am grateful for the many opportunities I was given over the course of my career," he said in the statement.