Arlington Heights resident chosen to lead village’s health department

An Arlington Heights resident has been hired as the village’s new director of health and human services.

Mila Tsagalis, who spent 25 years at the DuPage County Health Department, started her new role at Arlington Heights village hall last week.

She replaces James McCalister, who retired in May after 37 years with the Northwest suburb.

“It is a privilege to join a team working on behalf of Arlington Heights,” Tsagalis said in a village announcement. “I look forward to building on the village’s strong foundation of public service and helping to ensure all residents have access to the resources and support they need to thrive.”

Tsagalis will oversee a 14-member staff and annual budget of $2.6 million for a municipal department that conducts restaurant inspections, investigates public health complaints, manages the solid waste contract and runs social service and senior programs, among other items.

In DuPage, Tsagalis most recently was director of community initiatives, managing a team of more than 10 employees and a $1.8 million budget. In that role, she led strategic partnerships with government agencies, law enforcement, schools and community organizations to tackle public health issues. She previously was assistant director of dental health services overseeing mobile clinics.

Tsagalis’ selection by Village Manager Randy Recklaus is the latest in a line of administrative turnover at village hall due to retirements. New department directors also were hired in recent months in finance, planning and community development, and building and life safety.

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