Civil engineer chosen as Buffalo Grove's top public works employee

Civil engineer Ted Sianis has been named Buffalo Grove's Public Works employee of the year.

"In a year that sometimes felt like complete chaos - my words - Ted was there," Public Works Director and Deputy Village Manager Mike Skibbe told the village board in announcing the award.

"Whether there was major construction like the Lake-Cook Road project, or assisting major software implementations, like engineering's involvement in the Community Development software project, or even covering for some of our vacant positions, like our engineering inspector that's been vacant for some time, Ted was there and he remained upbeat and positive throughout it all," Skibbe said.

Sianis was featured in a video produced by the Public Works Department and shown to the board.

He said he grew up in Arlington Heights, where, "from a very young age, I decided that I wanted to be an engineer of some sort."

He found his calling as a civil engineer while attending Purdue University. As a senior, he served an internship for the village of Wheeling and decided to pursue a career as a municipal engineer. He worked as a consultant for 14 years before being hired by Buffalo Grove 2½ years ago.

He said he loves every aspect of his job, including development review, permit review for the building department and inspections.

A married father of three children, one of his hobbies is classic cars.

"I have a 1959 Volkswagen Beetle that I absolutely love. It was my first car when I turned 15. My dad and I restored it," he said.