New DuPage County Forest Preserve leader could be named by mid-month
DuPage County Forest Preserve officials say they could choose their next executive director by Oct. 15.
Commissioners narrowed the finalists to two local applicants following Monday's nine-hour closed-door meeting, which included interviews with each of the three finalists presented by Alford Group Executive Search firm. Tuesday morning, the commissioners asked to interview another finalist, bringing the pool back up to three.
Forest Preserve President D. “Dewey” Pierotti Jr. said the commissioners will meet again at 7:30 a.m. Tuesday to meet the latest candidate and have secondary interviews with the other two finalists.
Once those interviews are complete, Pierotti said, the commissioners will meet again behind closed doors at 1:30 p.m. Oct. 15 for a final discussion.
“By that time, I anticipate they'll have everything they need to make a decision and move this process forward,” he said. The (Oct. 15) meeting should be to hash out a few final details and gain that final consensus before they vote, in open session, to make the hire.”
Several commissioners contacted declined to discuss the process or identify the finalists, though they are both believed to be from the Chicago area and West suburbs.
Pierotti has been filling in as executive director on an interim basis for more than a year since Brent Manning stepped down from the post. Pierotti has asked the search firm to expedite the process to give the new director a full year with the current commission before the November 2014 election when Pierotti also is expected to step down.
The new director specifically will be responsible for developing and implementing long-term plans for the district that will include work at new and existing preserves, natural areas and educational centers.
The district is looking for someone with 10 or more years of leadership experience for a public or nonprofit agency with a strong background in financial management and interpersonal skills. The job will pay between about $99,000 and $220,000 a year, depending on experience.