Wheeling Township Leader Retires After 37 Years of Service
When someone spends nearly 40 years of their life working for the same organization, there are bound to be memories, changes, and things that one is proud to have been a part of. This is all true for Josephine (Jo) Stellato, who worked for Wheeling Township for 37 years before retiring in early June. As she and her colleagues reflect on the impact the organization has had on the community under Stellato's leadership, a sense of accomplishment is what stands out the most.
Stellato first began working at the Township as an accountant in 1981. At that time, she was a single mother with two small children living in Arlington Heights and working to support her young family. Through her work at the Township, she learned of the deep impact the organization had on families that were struggling; from providing food and basic necessities through the food pantry, to general assistance for when serious or sudden financial challenges arose, to transportation for the sick, elderly and the disabled, along with other important social services for those in-need that were living in Wheeling Township.
In the late 1980s, Stellato was promoted to take over as the professional leader of Wheeling Township; her new title became the Director of Finance and Administration. This is the position she would stay in for the next 29 years, working with five different administrations (including supervisors and boards) and countless evolutions of the services provided, all of which she has a direct link to.
"So many changes, improvements and enhancements have taken place over the years; one of the things I am most proud of is to have been on the ground floor development of the Mobile Dental Clinic partnership," Stellato said.
The concept for the Mobile Dental Clinic came about due to the fact that many of the Township's clients needed dental health services but could not afford them. Stellato reached out to the Northwest Suburban Dental Association and connected with area dentists to provide low cost or pro bono dental services for Township clients. Additionally, the Township applied for, and received a grant, which led to the establishment of the Mobile Dental Clinic. Through a partnership with Northwest Community Healthcare (NCH) along with local dentist and Wheeling Township Supervisor (at that time) Mike Schroeder as one of the many volunteers, the Mobile Dental Clinic launched in 2003.
A partnership was also created under Stellato's leadership, between Wheeling Township and Elk Grove, Palatine and Schaumburg Townships, to join forces for the Mobile Dental Clinic, so that all four government bodies could provide lower cost dental services to their residents. This collaborative relationship exists to this day.
Stellato says partnerships such as these, and the sharing of services between other government bodies when possible, has allowed the Township to use resources responsibly; smart government is something that was at the core of her philosophy during her tenure.
On November 8, 2016, 70% of Wheeling Township residents voted yes for the Township Board initiated referendum to consolidate the Road District into general Township operations. Stellato was instrumental in the smooth transition when responsibility for road management was transferred from the Highway Commissioner to the Township Board.
"Due to Wheeling Township's conservative approach, expenditures have been relatively flat for the last five years, while services during this same time frame have increased substantially. Very few entities can make that claim," Stellato said.
In her role, Stellato also played an integral part in the growth of the transportation program, the Food Pantry expansion, and most recently, the Seats for Sailors campaign.
Current Wheeling Township Supervisor Kathy Penner was appointed in 2016 after the passing of Wheeling Township Supervisor Schroeder and remembers coming in as his successor during an emotionally challenging transition.
"Jo (Stellato) provided just the right support and guidance for me at a time when we both had just lost a beloved colleague (Schroeder), and I will always be grateful to her for helping me during that time," Penner said. "So many of the programs here exist due to her hard work and dedication, and she will be greatly missed."
As she reflects over her years of service to Wheeling Township, Stellato feels extremely fortunate to have been involved with the Township's strategic plan, which included the reduction of reserves, the establishment of many partnerships, and applying for grants whenever possible to lower the financial burden on Township residents.
"I am grateful for the support this generous community has provided to myself and to the Township; I have been blessed to have worked with exceptional leadership and dedicated staff who were like a second family to me," Stellato said.