Elk Grove Village hires new public works director

Elk Grove Village has hired Colby J. Basham as its new public works director after a national search for candidates.

Basham's first day on the job will be Oct. 29. He will work alongside current Public Works Director Vito Sammarco until his retirement Nov. 30, after more than 20 years of service to the village.

Basham comes to Elk Grove after nearly 10 years in Elgin, where he's served as public works superintendent, interim public works director and neighborhood services director.

He holds a bachelor's degree in management, a master's degree in organizational leadership and is a veteran of the U.S. Air Force. He began his career in the private sector, working for Bosch Tool Corporation; HILTI, Inc; and NES Rentals Holdings, where he oversaw a staff of 180 across the nation.

"I congratulate village staff on their efforts in conducting a national search to identify the best candidate to serve as the next public works director." Elk Grove Village Mayor Craig Johnson said in an announcement of the hire. "We are excited to welcome Colby Basham to the community, where he can continue our long-standing tradition of exceptional service."