Schaumburg finance chief leaving

Schaumburg Finance Director Doug Ellsworth will go into private practice Friday after 29 years in the public sector that included oversight of several prominent suburban projects.

His notable work includes the relocation of Sears Holding Corp. to Hoffman Estates, the sale and redevelopment of the Naval Air Station in Glenview, Mount Prospect’s downtown redevelopment and Schaumburg’s Renaissance Hotel and Convention Center.

Ellsworth said he feels fortunate, as many Certified Public Accountants retire without even one such project in their careers.

After starting his public finance career in Streamwood, Ellsworth moved on to Hoffman Estates, where he spent 12 years before taking a position with the village of Glenview. He then spent five years in Mount Prospect before heading to Schaumburg in 2003.

Ellsworth said he enjoyed working in each of the communities he’s served, and only left when he was sought out for a particular project in another town. Private practice was something Ellsworth did on the side in the early days of his career, but always thought it would play a more prominent role in his future.

In his new role, he expects to provide accounting and tax advice to small businesses and individuals, with perhaps some government consulting as well. He plans open his new office in Schaumburg.

“I’ve had it in my mind to start my own business at around 55 or 56 and have a sort of second half of my career,” he said.

Schaumburg Village Manager Ken Fritz said Ellsworth was widely recognized as one of the best finance directors around and will be missed. Ellsworth’s assistant, Jodie Andrew, will be acting director while a search for a permanent replacement begins.

“We’re not in a hurry because Doug has left us in good shape,” Fritz said.

That includes preparation for the village board’s discussion and approval of the 2011-12 budget that will take place later this month, he added.