New Bloomingdale manager knows DuPage

Martin Bourke is no stranger to Bloomingdale.

Bourke, who was named village manager on Tuesday, worked for Bloomingdale early in his nearly 30-year career.

Now he's scheduled to step into the town's top administrative post on Nov. 29 to replace Dan Wennerholm, who retired after 31 years with the village.

Bourke formerly served as village manager of Oakbrook Terrace for nine years until stepping down in July. Most recently he served as interim director of community and economic development in Des Plaines.

Officials initially wanted to find an internal replacement for Wennerholm. But ultimately they launched an external search for someone who “had a depth of knowledge and understanding of municipal government, particularly in DuPage County,” Village President Bob Iden said.

“We found that person in Marty,” he said.

Bourke's career started in 1981 as an intern in Carol Stream. He later served as assistant village administrator in Bloomingdale from 1984 to 1986. Bourke left Bloomingdale for the top administrative post in Winfield and, later, served as village manager in Western Springs.

This year, Bourke was honored as Outstanding Manager of the Year by the Illinois Association of Municipal Management Assistants.

Iden said Bourke is a leader in local government who has built a strong reputation by working with groups such as the DuPage Mayors and Managers Conference, where he serves on the board of directors.