Former Des Plaines Mayor Arredia signs on with Maryville Academy

A day after Tony Arredia stepped down as mayor of Des Plaines - assuring the council chambers, "I'll find something to do," - he was named today as director of government relations for Maryville Academy.

In a news release this morning, Maryville Executive Director Sr. Catherine M. Ryan, O.S.F., said, "Mayor Arredia has worked closely with Maryville. As mayor, Tony worked diligently on bringing development to Des Plaines and to improve the quality of life for its residents.

"We feel most fortunate that he is joining Maryville Academy. With his love of children and his familiarity with government partnerships his contribution will be a blessing for the children of Maryville."

In the news release, Arredia was quoted as saying, "Retirement is not in my vocabulary. I have been involved with Maryville for many years. I look at this assignment as a continuation of my life up until today.

"I love children and feel a special affinity with them. I also view it as an opportunity to utilize contacts and friendships in government - the legislature and the county board, and other connections - on behalf of Maryville Academy."

Arredia, 72, was mayor of Des Plaines for nine years. He was appointed mayor after the untimely death of Mayor Paul Jung in 1999, and then was elected in 2001 and 2005. He was prevented from running for re-election last month because of the city's term limits law.

A resident of Des Plaines since 1964, Arredia was the 8th Ward alderman for six years before being mayor.

Earlier in his career he was the football and baseball coach for St. Viator High School in Arlington Heights for 13 years. He estimates he coached more than 5,000 athletes in both high school and Little League, the release said.