Hoffman Estates could name arena rep

Hoffman Estates trustees could select the village's Sears Centre representative as early as their Monday village board meeting.

Though the board would still have to authorize attorneys to begin contract negotiations with the chosen person, Hoffman Estates Mayor William McLeod said if all goes as planned, a vote will take place Monday.

Board members met with two candidates earlier this month at a special finance committee meeting that open to the public.

Interviewed were Cindy Kamradt, a vice president of operations for International Facilities Group, LLC, and Paul Rathje, former director of operations at Wrigley Field. Board members aren't publicly saying if they're leaning toward one candidate or another.

Village officials haven't said how much they will pay the representative, who will work with Sears Centre manager Global Spectrum to ensure that village interests are served at the arena.

Assistant Village Manager Mark Koplin has assumed those duties since the village took control of the arena in December. Koplin, however, had no prior experience with stadium operations, and trustees have said experience was a major quality they are seeking for that role.

The new hire will allow Koplin to return to his former duties, focusing on village planning.

The Sears Centre will lose money this year, officials said, but less than the $1.2 million originally projected. Arena revenues are $733,580 above projections.