Elk Grove Village announces retirement of Public Works Director Colby Basham and appointment of successor Bryan Grippo
After a distinguished career marked by dedication and leadership, Colby Basham will retire from his role as director of public works for the village of Elk Grove effective May 30.
During his seven-year tenure as public works director, Colby Basham demonstrated exceptional leadership and vision, leaving a lasting impact on the Elk Grove Village community. His strategic initiatives and commitment to progress have significantly enhanced the department’s effectiveness, efficiency and community focus.
A cornerstone of his leadership was securing the department’s first accreditation from the American Public Works Association, a clear reflection of his dedication to upholding the highest standards and best practices. Basham also spearheaded the implementation of a new software solution to effectively manage the village’s infrastructure and respond more efficiently to service requests and work orders.
Under Basham’s direction, the public works department became an active participant in the Illinois Public Works Mutual Aid Network, fostering stronger relationships with neighboring communities and ensuring greater regional cooperation.
“Colby was also the driving force behind a cultural transformation within the department, one that placed strong emphasis on customer service and accountability. His efforts to solidify labor-management relations led to a period marked by an absence of labor grievances, a testament to his collaborative approach,” Mayor Craig B. Johnson said.
During his tenure, Basham established a culture of staff empowerment, which improved communication with both internal and external stakeholders, and fostered a collaborative approach to village operations, while enhancing working relationships across all village departments. His vision led to the creation of the villagewide round table, a quarterly forum that brings together diverse stakeholders in Elk Grove Village including school districts, the library, park district and various Village departments to discuss projects, address needs and promote interagency cooperation and communication.
His numerous achievements include conceptualizing the relocation of the water tower serving the Business Park in order to pave the way for development and improve water system pressure, revamping the industrial park stormwater ditch maintenance program, significantly improving the village rear yard drainage program, and transforming the leaf collection program to provide weekly pickup on every residential street, making it easier for residents and helping reduce overtime costs. Basham was also key in establishing and overseeing the successful Public Works Open House events and the Citizens Public Works Academy.
“Colby has been a steady and thoughtful leader who truly cared about the people of Elk Grove Village. His commitment to improving our community’s infrastructure and the everyday services residents rely on has made a lasting impact. We’re grateful for his hard work and proud to celebrate all he’s accomplished,” Johnson said.
With the impending retirement, the village has announced that Bryan Grippo will succeed Colby Basham as public works director. Grippo brings an impressive 25 years of experience in public works, including a decade of dedicated service to Elk Grove Village. Grippo possesses a deep and comprehensive knowledge of all Public Works Department operations. His project management skills are particularly noteworthy, demonstrated by his successful management of the construction of the new elevated water tank, a vital project that enhances the Elk Grove Village community’s water infrastructure. Together with Basham, Grippo led the Public Works Department through its first accreditation by the American Public Works Association.
Grippo received his bachelor’s degree from Chicago State University, maintains a Class C Water License with the IEPA, is a Certified Storm Water Inspector, and is a graduate of the APWA Illinois Public Service Institute, Midwest Leadership Institute, and Midwest Advanced Public Service Institute.
“Bryan’s extensive experience, proven leadership, and commitment to excellence make him the ideal candidate to lead our Public Works Department into the future,” Johnson said. “We are confident that he will build upon the strong foundation laid by his predecessor and continue to enhance the quality of life for our residents.”
The Elk Grove Village Public Works Department consists of 62 full-time and five part-time employees who are responsible for the maintenance of village-owned property, infrastructure, and equipment. The Public Works Department maintains water and sewer utilities, public streets and rights of way, urban forestry and land, facilities and fleet, as well as other critical infrastructure. The department is also responsible for the design and construction supervision of public improvements. The Elk Grove Village Public Works Department is fully accredited by the American Public Works Association.